Oct 23 2020

Level 5 Update

The introduction of Level 5 measures will mean changes for everybody, and Ozanam House is no different. Each programme is affected differently and each will have its own updates. All these plans are still subject to some changes. We thank you for your patience during this time and, as always, we will continue to support our service members and the community as best we can.

Childcare – Our Childcare Centre falls into the category of essential services and as such will remain open. Very little will change day-to-day. We continue to ensure the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 by strictly adhering to the guidelines and our protocols.

Youth Groups – Our Youth Groups are deemed an essential service and will remain open however they will now have a reduced capacity for the 6 weeks and will only allow a maximum of 4-5  people per group. The older age groups will now be offered a drop-in service while the younger groups will be no longer able to attend in-house services, but we will be posting out activity packs and organizing competitions and online events for all. Most in-house music classes will be cancelled for the coming few weeks. However, some of them will now be online.

Adult Education – All in-house Adult Education classes are unfortunately cancelled during Level 5, but many will have an online alternative. Our Cookery and Art Classes are available through video tutorial and the Yoga Classes will continue on Zoom.

Senior Programmes – Our Senior Programmes will continue in much the same way they have since the middle of March. Activities will be provided both online and through post. Glenn and Jenna will continue to be in contact with the members supporting all of them throughout this time.

Oct 6 2020

Ozanam House Update 06/10/20202

Adult Education

We are starting adult classes on a phased basis.  All classes are 90 minutes or less and start and finish times are staggered.  We have increased cleaning before and after classes and throughout the building.  Our class numbers are reduced inline with social distancing measures.  All students and teachers will be required to wear face coverings in class and throughout the building.

Men’s Group

 The lads are doing well. I’m calling them once a week and sending them out puzzles and quizzes to keep them occupied. Obviously, social isolation is not good for people’s mental health, so below are a number of helpful pointers if you feel you are struggling.

img20200930_14125197Download
img20200930_14105320Download

Youth Groups

Our youth services are commencing back in phased bases where we see our youngest groups start back up from the week of 28th of September, our senior services the week of 5th of October with most of our music groups coming back on 3rd of October for Dance and Piano classes and 10th of October for Violin classes. 

We would like to say a huge welcome back to all the children, young people and volunteers to the centre. It was so great to see so many familiar faces back in the centre again and doing what we do best, supporting each other and our service users in times when it’s needed the most. 


October is Mental Health Awareness Month and every year we spend few sessions doing mental health workshops, this year is going to be no different and maybe even more important as we will be exploring the anxiety and stress of lockdown and the new ways of going about our lives in schools and clubs. This year we will be concentrating on finding ways to relax and take a break when things get a little bit too much for us. This is one of the posters one of our senior groups made last year for Mental Health Awareness month with some great suggestions. 

Sep 30 2020

Scaffolding Removed

We were delighted when the scaffolding was removed at the front of the building. The builders carefully repointed the brickwork and it looks fantastic. The work will ensure the façade of this venerable Georgian building will be protected for a few decades more. An important note; work is being carried out beside the front door, but the entrance is open.

With the scaffolding
Before
After
A successful face-lift

Sep 30 2020

Guitar Tutor Needed

We are currently looking for somebody to come in and tutor our guitar classes on Saturdays. All the details, including who to contact, are in the text below.

About Ozanam House Community Resource Centre

Ozanam House is a community project operated by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, working directly with people in need through an action-oriented programme, attempting to effect positive change through social justice. Our work primarily involves person-to-person contact. Throughout the year we run childcare, youth, adult education and community programmes.

What’s Involved

The Volunteer will teach three classes: Beginners, Improvers 1 and Improvers 2, 45 min each. Violin, guitar, piano and dance classes for children 6 to 11 years old.

Time commitment 10 am to 2 pm.

General knowledge of music subject, to be able to lead and support classes of up to 10 children. Be interested and enthusiastic to work with children and music.

What’s required for this position

This role requires guitar tutoring and planning and organisational skills

  • Arts/ Music/ Drama
  • Guitar, Violin, Keyboard. Dance; Hip-Hop, Tap, Musical Drama.
  • Personable Skills
  • Youth/ Childcare

Level of English required for this role:
Fluent English

Times and commitment required for this role

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
Morning?
Afternoon?
Evening

Minimum time commitment: 1 year

Hours required: 3hrs Weekly

Training & Induction

•           The volunteer will receive an induction/information night in the centre prior to his/her first inset and will get a general information pack to become familiar with the centre and our procedures

•           The volunteer will have an initial meeting with the co-ordinator to receive a role-specific induction and to agree a timetable and schedule of duties in line with the volunteer role description

•           Ongoing individual training programmes will be provided if necessary

Other Details

Location of volunteering opportunity:
Ozanam House Resource Centre, Mountjoy Sq West, Dublin 1

Screening details for this role:

  • Garda Vetting
  • Informal Interviews
  • References
  • Application Form
  • Identification Check (photo ID etc…)

Volunteers will be provided with the following supports:

  • Support/ advice/ recognition
  • Supervision
  • Initial induction and training
  • Reimbursement of expenses
  • Ongoing training opportunities

Age restrictions:
Over 18

Is this opportunity suitable for groups/teams of volunteers?
No

Benefits you will receive as a volunteer

• General happiness and satisfaction • Personal and professional development in terms of confidence, patience, adaptability • Learn new skills (e.g decision-making and finding alternatives, leadership skills, communication skills, organizational skills

Contact Details

Kim Haugh

Email; admin@ozanamhouse.ie

Phone; 01 8742804

Sep 21 2020

Adult Education Updates

Here is the latest update on our Adult Education Registration and start dates; Community Our Adult Education Classes come under Adult and Higher Education. Some classes will start on the 5th of October. For more details contact us on 01 8742804. Registration week will not take place next week. We will be accepting registrations for programmes via the letterbox or by phone over the coming weeks. We will be holding teacher training online during that time and now plan to commence a shorter 6-week term starting on October 12th.

Sep 21 2020

Psychology Tutor

A safe place where people learn and grow,

that serves our needs and enriches our lives

in a supportive, fun and caring environment’

 As part of our Adult Education Programme, we are also looking for a Psychology Tutor. A deeper look at the psychological process can improve many elements of day-to-day life. For more details see the description below.

Adult Education – Introduction to Psychology

Our organisation

Ozanam House is a community resource centre run by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. It is located on the site of the original clothing and furniture warehouse in a building that has also been used by the Society for a variety of purposes for over 100 years. Since our opening in September 2002 we have continued to develop various programmes and projects aimed at addressing the issue of social exclusion as well as the many needs of the local community in Dublin’s north inner city. The centre now offers over 600 programme places to more than 500 people per week where our youngest member is 2 and our eldest is 96. We also engage 75 active volunteers who share their time and skills each week for the benefit of others.


Adult Education – Introduction to Psychology – Wednesdays, 7.00-8.30 pm.

One of the courses we are really excited about is our Introduction to Psychology classes.  Each individual course runs for 10 weeks and each class is 1.5hrs in duration.

The aim of the course is to provide people with a good all-round understanding of psychology and its benefits. It is the “understanding what we do and why we do it”.  A deeper look at the psychological process can improve many elements of day-to-day life like understanding ourselves better, improving relations with friends and family, developing critical thinking and better communication skills.

Overview of the volunteer role

To reach our full potential and to achieve our goals in the classes, we are constantly seeking new volunteers to share their interest and knowledge.  All our community education classes take place in an informal setting. Our classes are focused on the needs of the individuals who take them.

Tasks

  • Preparation of the classes according to a given course outline
  • Take class attendance on a daily basis
  • Teach the class
  • Supervise the group
  • Act as a mentor and help the people with their learning goals
  • Motivate and encourage the group to use their skills and passions
  • To attend team meetings and training days if/when possible
  • To follow the policies and procedures of Ozanam House which can be found in the induction

pack or in the office

  • Other general responsibilities in the context of the role as agreed with the co-ordinator
  • Introduce new members to the group and ensure all members are included and engaged in the activity

Time commitment

Classes will take place on Wednesday evenings 7 – 8:30 pm.

The volunteer should commit to at least one of the classes mentioned above plus extra time for the preparation of the classes (the exact times and days of working will be agreed between the volunteer and the programme co-ordinator). The volunteer should commit to a minimum period of nine months. This covers 3 terms with each term lasting 10 weeks. This offers consistency to a class level and offers the volunteer the opportunity to develop that class well over time.

Other volunteers
In addition, we welcome applications from potential volunteers who have specific expertise or skills which they can contribute. Based on the skills offered we can tailor a course for a term of 10 weeks. The time commitment for these volunteers will be agreed in advance with the coordinator.

Skills, Experience & Qualities Required

  • Interest in psychology and skills in psychology
  • Ability to relate well to people and enjoy dealing with them
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Self-confidence and general ease with other people
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – vital in a supportive role
  • Good organisational skills
  • Good level of English
  • High motivation and engagement to be a volunteer over a longer period of time
  • Commitment to the ethos of volunteering and a community-based initiative

Training & Induction

  • The volunteer will receive an induction/information night in the centre prior to his/her first inset and will get a general information pack to become familiar with the centre and our procedures
  • The volunteer will have an initial meeting with the co-ordinator to receive a role-specific induction and to agree a timetable and schedule of duties in line with the volunteer role description
  • Team meetings take place each term,  as well as individual training programmes that will be provided if/where necessary

Support & Supervision

The co-ordinator will be responsible for the supervision of the volunteer. Volunteers will meet with their co-ordinator either in one-to-one meetings, or in larger group meetings to discuss ongoing progress and any issues arising.
General volunteer meetings, for all volunteers, will take place twice a year, in May and November.

Benefits

  • Personal and professional development
  • Sharing knowledge that can help others enrich their lives
  • To be part of a progressive and energetic team supporting others to improve their lives
  • Opportunity to work in and learn about a community resource centre
  • Opportunity to build up valuable work experience
  • Tea and coffee will be provided for all volunteer

Contact

Kim Haugh

admin@ozanamhouse.ie

01 8742804

Sep 18 2020

Summer Sessions Poetry

Summer was a testing time for our teens in the Summer Sessions given the social restrictions in place. They turned to poetry to help express themselves. Their words can be viewed below;

Social Life in Quarantine 

Life is great, I have a week off

I really hope I don’t get a cough 

I’ve just downloaded this app called zoom

I meet all my friends in this small old room

It also helps me do music classes online

They gave us another month off, which was good at the time 

The days went slowly but now its August

Some shops are still closed and full of dust 

I wish things could go back to normal

I’m glad this will pass because 

Life back then was awful 

In This House During Lockdown 

There is too many people in here

Wherever you are, there’s always someone near 

Wreaking my head all day 

My younger siblings always want me to play 

“Fortnite, whats that, don’t care”

This new reality is becoming a nightmare

Every day feels the same 

I’m sick of hearing my name 

“jerry get out of that fecking room”

“Mum shut up I’m on a call on zoom”

Each month another two weeks added on

I should have been out of here, gone, 

Sitting next to the pool cold drink in hand

Listening to the live band. 

I wish they’d fast forward the clocks

But no

Still stuck in this box. 

Another Day Inside These Walls

No School 

I’m stuck in bed all day 

My parents always have something to say 

I get up for school but 

Not any more

I wasn’t really bothered doing it before

“get your PlayStation off the floor”

I’m so paralysed I just want to roar

It started when everything closed

There is nowhere to get my clothes

I cant even get a burger

I was left looking for a cow to murder

Fighting with my friend all the time

My sister keeps taking what’s mine

A vaccine hopefully soon

And walk all over the moon

Masks for now will have to do

No hugs or handshakes, Its cruelty! 

People don’t care any more 

Most did before

Sep 16 2020

Adult Education – Cookery Tutor

                    

                                       

A safe place where people learn and grow,

that serves our needs and enriches our lives

in a supportive, fun and caring environment’

 

Our organisation

Ozanam House is a community resource centre run by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. It is located on the site of the original clothing and furniture warehouse in a building that has also been used by the Society for a variety of purposes for over 100 years. Since our opening in September 2002 we have continued to develop various programmes and projects aimed at addressing the issue of social exclusion as well as the many needs of the local community in Dublin’s north inner city. The centre now offers over 600 programme places to more than 500 people per week where our youngest member is 2 and our eldest is 96. We also engage 75 active volunteers who share their time and skills each week for the benefit of others.


Adult Education – Cookery Training Programme

One of our most popular programmes is our cookery training centre otherwise known as our    “Healthy Options Centre”. Each individual course runs for 10 weeks and each class is 2hrs in duration.

The courses we run in our cookery training room aim to provide people with simple and basic skills required to provide healthy meals for themselves and their families. They are based on the understanding that healthy eating does not have to be difficult or expensive. Each class also includes some nutritional information with the aim of educating people about the foods we eat and the effect these foods can have on our general wellbeing.

These courses also involve a more practical approach on how to cook healthy food on a budget.

Thursday 10:15-11.45 am and 7.00-9.00pm

The aim of this centre is to limit the use of fast food as the main elements in the diets of the community, offering them a healthier option in this regard while at the same time teaching them some useful culinary skills that will benefit them and their families throughout their lives.

As cookery is a skill everyone would aspire to having our groups can be diverse in age, ethnicity, learning capacity and personal background. This allows for a nice balance of members in the class and can create a good sense of community in the class as groups can reflect our world around us.

Overview of the volunteer role

To reach our full potential and to achieve our goals in the classes, we are constantly seeking new volunteers to share their interest in cookery and to assist the cookery tutor these classes in an informal setting. Our classes are focused on the needs of the individuals who take them. Each class has a team of 2 teachers who work together sharing tasks and lead teaching each week.

Tasks

  • To use the recipe information already in place and/or to think of recipes with your teaching partner or together with the group and to share this with the group one week in advance
  • Preparation of the classes according to a given course outline
  • Take class attendance on a daily basis
  • Teach the class
  • Supervise the group
  • Act as a mentor and help the people with their learning goals
  • Motivate and encourage the group to use their skills and passions
  • To attend team meetings and training days if/when possible
  • To follow the policies and procedures of Ozanam House which can be found in the induction pack or in the office
  • Other general responsibilities in the context of the role as agreed with the co-ordinator
  • To source and purchase the ingredients needed to undertake the classes, these will be funded by the centre
  • Inform participants about healthy cooking, nutrition, cooking on a budget and shopping skills
  • Introduce new members to the group and ensure all members are included and engaged in the activity
  • To follow the policies and procedures of Ozanam House (which can be found in the induction pack or in the office) as well as the Cookery Centre Health & Safety Policies in place.

Time commitment

Classes in the cookery centre run on Thursday mornings from 10:15 to 11:45 am and Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00pm.

The volunteer should commit to at least one of the classes mentioned above plus extra time for the preparation of the classes (the exact times and days of working will be agreed between the volunteer and the programme co-ordinator). The volunteer should commit to a minimum period of nine months. This covers 3 terms with each term lasting 10 weeks. This offers consistency to a class level and offers the volunteer the opportunity to develop that class well over time.

Other volunteers
In addition, we welcome applications from potential volunteers who have specific expertise or skills which they can contribute. For example, volunteers in the past have delivered training in baking, sugar craft, First Aid in the kitchen and taught specific applicable skills to the group. Based on the skills offered we can tailor a course for a term of 10 weeks. The time commitment for these volunteers will be agreed in advance with the coordinator.

Skills, Experience & Qualities Required

  • Interest in cooking
  • Ability to relate well to people and enjoy dealing with them
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Self-confidence and general ease with other people
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – vital in a supportive role
  • Good organizational skills
  • Good level of English
  • High motivation and engagement to be a volunteer over a longer period of time
  • Commitment to the ethos of volunteering and a community based initiative

Training & Induction

  • The volunteer will receive an induction/information night in the centre prior to his/her first inset and will get a general information pack to become familiar with the centre and our procedures
  • The volunteer will have an initial meeting with the co-ordinator to receive a role-specific induction and to agree a timetable and schedule of duties in line with the volunteer role description
  • Team meetings take place each term,  as well as individual training programmes that will be provided if/where necessary

Support & Supervision

The co-ordinator will be responsible for the supervision of the volunteer. Volunteers will meet with their co-ordinator either in one-to-one meetings, or in larger group meetings to discuss ongoing progress and any issues arising.
General volunteer meetings, for all volunteers, will take place twice a year, in May and November.

Benefits

  • Personal and professional development
  • Sharing knowledge that can help others enrich their lives
  • To be part of a progressive and energetic team supporting others to improve their lives
  • Opportunity to work in and learn about a community resource centre
  • Opportunity to build up valuable work experience
  • Tea and coffee will be provided for all volunteers