As Volunteers’ Week takes place across Northern Ireland, the leading voice of volunteering, Volunteer Now, is sharing volunteer stories to recognise their incredible contribution to communities and inspire more people to give it a go.
Aoibeann Walsh from South Armagh has been volunteering with the Slieve Gullion Credit Union for 13 years.
Aoibeann’s mother is very active in the local community, so the concept of supporting other people was instilled in her and her siblings from a young age.
Aoibeann responded to the Credit Union’s request for volunteers back in 2012 and her role with the organisation has grown ever since.
Having a full-time position with the charity Rural Support, Aoibeann balances her time so that volunteering can play a big part of her life in a way is still manageable for her schedule.
She is an active member of the board of directors in the Slieve Gullion Credit Union and plays a crucial role in the strategic development of the organisation, its governance, marketing and social responsibility.
Aoibeann was in fact recently appointed one of 13 directors of the Irish League of Credit Unions, broadening her role to a an all-island basis. Her volunteer role with the Credit Union has had many benefits, as Aoibeann explains:
“I have always been very proud of my local area so being part of the Credit Union feels very rewarding,” said Aoibeann.
“It is an organisation built by communities for communities. In my time volunteering, I’ve learned so many new skills, made a lot of fantastic friends and developed a great deal, both personally and professionally.
“Being part of such a large organisation has given me access to brilliant training too in important areas such as ethics and standards, which I’ve found valuable in my full time career.
“Whilst my role has expanded and I’m able to dedicate quite a lot of time to my volunteering, I know that organisations appreciate all time that people can give. I would recommend volunteering to anyone – it opens a whole new part of life and I couldn’t be more delighted that I got involved all those years ago.”
Volunteer Now hopes that Aoibeann’s experience will highlight the many diverse roles and opportunities available to volunteers in Northern Ireland.
“Often people have a preconceived idea of what they think volunteering will look like,” explains Jane Gribbin, Volunteer Now.
“As Aoibeann demonstrates, there are so many valuable ways people can get involved with organisations and make a difference to their local community. No matter what you do or how much time you give, there is a role out there for everyone, and every volunteer counts.
“We always say that volunteering changes lives – both for the volunteer and for the people they help. Thank you to Aoibeann and so many like her who give so much and ask for so little in return. Volunteers’ Week is all about giving our volunteers a huge thank you and anyone who has been inspired to give volunteering a go, we hope will explore our website to find a role that suits them.”
To find the perfect volunteering role for you visit www.volunteernow.co.uk
