Volunteer Stories

Cairde Clones and the Chat & Craft Group

“The craft and chat group has made an enormous impact on Cairde.  The group has benefited the charity in several ways.   It has provided a community space in which Cairde members can attend.  Craft and chat is a very inclusive group and it has brought together a group of like-minded people who enjoy the social aspect as well as being creative.  Cairde members have made new friends and connections through a shared interest and this is fitting with our community inclusion ethos.  The creative items made have been used during Cairde’s fundraising campaigns.  It has provided the tangible items necessary for the charity to sell and all proceeds made from the sale of these items goes directly towards the running of the service.  Including buying equipment, providing training and education programmes as well as leisure activities for Cairde members.   To everyone who helped or volunteered, Cairde appreciates the time and effort that you gave.  Your generosity has made a real difference to the service.”

Failte Isteach Volunteer Tutor

“I began volunteering teaching conversational English with Failte Isteach in January. It initially began as work experience for my college course, however I soon became invested and have grown quite close with my group! I am privileged to have a group of the most wonderful Ukrainian women, and I am learning from them as much as they are from me.
Volunteering has given me so much confidence, compassion and empathy. It has enhanced my patience and listening skills. I will be sad when this term ends, but I am looking forward to getting back into it in September. The support I have gotten from the other volunteers, and the team at Monaghan Volunteer Centre has been wonderful, and has allowed me to really enjoy my role. I have now signed up for other volunteer opportunities!”

Monaghan Volunteer Centre supporting Monaghan Tidy Towns

‘Monaghan Volunteer Centre has worked with Monaghan Tidy Towns for a number of years and this collaboration was ramped up in 2024 which was a very busy year for us.

The Volunteer Centre has been very supportive in guiding new volunteers in our direction this year and particularly the migrant Men’s Group which has been incredible in the support they have provided through a number of projects such as the development of a community “model” biodiversity friendly garden and a Forest School / Outdoor Learning Space at a local primary school as well as maintenance projects and litter management across the town.

As an entirely voluntary committee ourselves we know and appreciate the value of new volunteers and the renewal and impetus they bring. The Volunteer Centre has been essential in providing the structure, the communications and the connections to make all this happen and we in Monaghan Tidy Towns are deeply appreciative of this.

Our experience of success has led us to developing and discussing new plans and collaborations for inspiring projects in 2025 and we look forward to continuing to work with the Volunteer Centre in the years ahead.’

A volunteer with Monaghan Stroke Support Group

“Although volunteering aims to support those attending support groups, it has also benefitted my own personal skills. It’s a brilliant outlet for communicating and meeting new people whilst doing such a simple deed to help those in need! If in doubt, I’d highly recommend signing up as a volunteer, taking the first step is always the hardest part of the process!”

Aoibha, volunteer at Teach na nDaoine Summer Camp

“Volunteering for me has been a truly enjoyable experience that has allowed me
to gain insight into the environment of working with children.

The nature of volunteering creates such a positive impact within communities but is also very personally rewarding. It has given me the opportunity to broaden my views and evolve my skills for my chosen career path in a very friendly and encouraging
environment.

I would highly recommend volunteering to anyone wanting to make a difference in the lives of others or gain academic experience in this line of work.”

2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
- Anne Jordan

The Lifetime Achievement Award is to recognise someone whose volunteering spans a long period of time. This year’s winner was Anne Jordan, who many Monaghan women will remember from her years as a teacher at the St. Louis Secondary School. Anne began her volunteer journey in 1989 with the Citizen’s Information Centre, at a time when it was run exclusively by volunteers. She volunteered for many years, including as chairperson. She was a founding member of Dochas for Women, now Women’s Collective Ireland – Monaghan. In 2009, Anne began to support Congolese refugees who had just arrived in Monaghan. In 2016, Anne was pivotal in establishing Failte Isteach English conversation classes in Monaghan Town. These classes provide a chance for people to learn English in an informal way, while also meeting local people and learning more about life in Monaghan. In those early days they were completely volunteer led and run. Anne worked tirelessly to expand the Failte Isteach services and to support migrants in countless practical ways. Monaghan Integrated Development now runs the Failte Isteach classes but Anne continues to volunteer, sharing her experience and knowledge with newer tutors.

Volunteer Stories