‘There is a great job satisfaction from volunteering’

Volunteer Tim Folan shares his volunteer journey in Galway Hospice

I commenced volunteering with the Galway Hospice two years ago. The Hospice has impacted the lives of many of my relations and friends in a very positive way, so I felt it appropriate to ‘pay back’ this wonderful organisation by volunteering to help out.

Previous to this, I have been active in volunteering with a number of sports organisations and partaking in various hobbies, which I receive great satisfaction from.

In my ‘working’ life, I was fortunate to be employed in Thermo King, a multinational company based in Mervue. I am delighted to see several of my former ‘Thermo’ work colleagues also volunteering here in the Galway Hospice.

I was aware prior to joining Galway Hospice that they are very dependent on recruiting volunteers, which impacted my decision to offer my services to them.

Prior to commencing my Hospice duties, I completed a detailed induction training programme, from which I received a very good knowledge of the various volunteer roles on site.

The first function which I assisted with related to helping visitors to Hospice to complete various Covid related checks and questionnaires, prior to commencing a visit to site. At the time, the world was progressing through the various challenges presented by the pandemic, and Galway Hospice’s management of the Covid situation was first class, ensuring that all staff and visitors complied with various requirements to wear various PPE etc, in order to ensure that Covid did not impact any personnel on site and this ensured and created a safe environment for all.

I enjoyed this first role with Hospice, and I was then given an opportunity to assist the finance department in processing invoices for payment, a duty which I remain involved in to this day and which I really enjoy.

I also work in the day care office, arranging files for our medical personnel prior to visiting patients off site.

I have also assisted the fundraising team with their events, the Galway Memorial Walk in September, and the Christmas Market and Tree of Lights Celebration at Christmas.

Overall, I am delighted to be assisting the Galway Hospice in any way I can, and look forward to continuing my volunteering, as there remains a very big need for volunteers in the organisation.

What motivates me to carry out my duties:

* The positive and friendly attitude at all times by staff and volunteers.

* The offer of help when required.

* The variety of volunteer functions available.

* That there is a great job satisfaction from volunteering in Hospice.

* That the Galway Hospice is such an important charity, impacting so many people.

I thank the Hospice for offering me an opportunity to be a part of their volunteering team and look forward to assisting them in any way I can in the future.