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
