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.

Active Retirement – Our Programme

We organise activities like physical fitness programmes, board games, cross words, table quizzes, darts, bowls, bingo, and specific courses which vary over time – for example, Irish and How to Use your Mobile Phone. In addition, guest speakers on topics of relevance to the group are scheduled on a monthly basis. Outings are also organised on a monthly basis in consultation with the group. A Summer programme takes place in the month of July. But perhaps the most important function of the group is the social aspect as many of our members live alone. To reach our full potential and to achieve our goals in the group, we seek new volunteers from time to time to support the ARG co-ordinator deliver a quality and professional programme to the members.

Overview of the volunteer role

To reach our full potential and to achieve our goals in the centre we are constantly seeking new volunteers to come on board to share their skills and knowledge with people undertaking our Chair-Yoga classes.

Tasks

• Teach basics of Chair-Yoga
• To prepare the class in advance
• To consult the service users when planning activities
• Deliver safe, fun and creative yoga classes, sensitive to the needs and abilities of participants
•  Take class attendance on a daily basis
• Responsibility for overall set up and clean up
• Supervise the group with first priority in their safety
• Participate in the class and come to the aid of the participants
• Introduce new members to the group and ensure all members are included and engaged in the activity
• 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

Time commitment

The Yoga class runs Mondays from 11.30am – 12.30pm. The Yoga volunteer should commit to one class per month plus extra time for the preparation of the class (the exact times and dates 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.

Skills, Experience & Qualities Required

• Formal qualifications and experience in yoga and chair yoga instruction
• A keen interest in Yoga activities
• Experience  in Group Instruction or teaching preferred
• Patience, resilience, tolerance and flexibility
• 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 and basic administration skills
• Intermediate level of English
• Experience with adult learners of mixed learning capacities is an advantage but not essential
• High motivation and engagement to be a volunteer over a longer period of time
• Commitment to the ethos of volunteering and 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
• Ongoing individual training programmes will be provided if 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 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