Community Partners

Below is a list of just some of NUI Galway's Community Partners.  Many of these groups have current volunteer opportunities posted here.

 

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Ability West is a voluntary organisation providing high quality, community based services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout Galway.  Its core value is to deliver services in a person centred approach in order to develop the potential of each person it serves.  Its Volunteer Programme enhances the social and leisure opportunities of service users through friendship and community integration programmes.  Volunteers share their time and talents in a variety of activities. Experience is not necessary and training is provided.

For further information: www.abilitywest.ie

---

Age Action Ireland - Galway

Age Action Ireland is the national network with a focus on ageing and older people. Age Action promotes best practice policies and services for older people. Its main aim is to improve the quality of life of all older people, especially those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable, by enabling them to live full, independent and satisfying lives for as long as they wish in their own homes, or in other appropriate accommodation. 

For further information: www.ageaction.ie

---

 

AIDS West

Alan Kerins Alzheimer Society 

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland aims to raise awareness of dementia, provide quality dementia specific care, and support to families and carers of people with dementia.  Opportunities which are available for volunteers include participation in local PR, fundraising and raising awareness of dementia.  Skills or experience which would be helpful include good communication skills. Previous experience in fundraising would be desirable but not essential.  The society will provide training on the role and work of the society and is keen to work with young and enthusiastic individuals to raise awareness amongst young people of dementia.

For further information: www.alzheimer.ie

---

Amnesty International

Amnesty International is an organisation which works to protect human rights worldwide. By raising awareness and activism on human rights abuses, it aims to bring justice and protection for individuals in Ireland and worldwide. Its shop and cafe in Middle Street, Galway, supports fair trade, highlighting human rights as an economic issue and enabling customers to shop ethically.

For further information: www.amnesty.ie

---

Ballinfoyle Youth Development Project

BYDP is part of Foróige, the purpose of which is to enable young people to involve themselves consciously and actively in their own development and in the development of society. The project achieves this goal by getting young people involved in activities such as sport, drama, education, etc. It is always looking for volunteers to continue on this extremely rewarding work. 

For information on Foróige run projects please visit www.foroige.ie

---

 

Ballybane Community Forum comprises of local groups, residents associations and other interested agencies and residents to promote the positive work being done in Ballybane, Galway.

---

Ballybane Community Organic Garden

The Ballybane Community Organic Garden has now been in existence for two years.  All produce has been sown by local community people who have an interest in learning more about organic gardening and growing.  Two sessions are held each week, on Monday evening from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and on Thursday from 10.30am to 12.30pm.  Activities include planting, weeding and various other gardening activities.

For information on Foróige run projects please visit www.foroige.ie

---

Ballybane and Mervue CDP: After-Schools Programme 

The Ballybane Mervue Community Development Project is based in the Ballybane Community Resource Centre.  One of its projects is an After-Schools Programme for children aged 6-10 years.  The programme operates five days a week with one session from 1.30pm to 2.30pm in the Holy Trinity National School, Mervue and from 3.00pm to 6.00pm in the Ballybane Community Resource Centre.  Activities include arts and crafts, baking, games, physical activities and music. 

For information on Foróige run projects please visit www.foroige.ie

---

Barretstown Gang Camp

Barretstown offers support programmes to children and families affected by serious illness. These ‘Therapeutic Recreation’ programmes are designed to help children and families deal with the affects of life-threatening illness. Each year around 700 childcare volunteers help the children get the most out of their stay.

For further information: www.barretstowngc.ie

---

Big Brother Big Sister

BBBS is a mentoring programme that matches an adult volunteer to a young person (10-18 years). The young person and adult volunteer are matched-up based on common interests and personality.  The basic idea is that a friendship will form, between the young person and adult volunteer, and promote the positive development of the young person.

For further information: www.bbbsireland.ie 

---

Bohermore Youth Development Project

Bohermore Youth Development Project aims to provide a secure, fun and stimulating environment in which to foster young people’s interests and skills.  The Project organises After School Clubs for youths aged from 4-20 years, and activities include, supervised homework, art, sport, drama, music and dancing.  The Bohermore Project would appreciate help from volunteers with an interest in any of these areas. 

---

Brothers of Charity Services Galway

The Brothers of Charity Services Galway provide a wide range of services for approximately 1,000 people with learning disabilities in Galway city and county.  Service users want to participate more in their local community and they want to have friends. In order to facilitate this, support from volunteers is needed. It is hoped that through the Volunteer Programme service users will link with volunteers, have more access to their communities, leading to meaningful relationships and greater inclusion.

For further information: www.brothersofcharity.ie 

---

Camara NUIG Society

CD's helping hands is a charity inspired by Caitlin Doherty who has been coping with Leukemia since she was two, she is now four years of age.  As with the majority of childhood cancers, treatment takes place in Crumlin Children's Hospital, Dublin.  As a result of this, families must travel to Crumlin, whilst coping with the day to day running of the family and household at home.  CD's Helping Hands offer practical, hands-on aid and support for families, keeping their world together, when they feel it is falling apart.

For further information: www.cdshelpinghands.ie

---

Children in Hospital Ireland

Children in Hospital Ireland was set up to help parents and children deal with the crisis of hospitalisation. Hospitalisation can be a very traumatic and stressful experience, for both the child and family concerned. The PlayWell Volunteer Service makes hospital a happier place for children and their families by organising play activities for sick children and fundraising to support special fun events. 

For further information: www.childreninhospital.ie

---

Circles

---

COPE Galway

COPE Galway is a Galway Charity and provides three sectors of social services in Galway City and County.  They include: emergency accommodation and support services for people experiencing homelessness; a refuge and outreach service for women and children who experience domestic violence; and Senior Support Services, which include Community Catering and a day centre for older people. At present, Cope Galway is looking for Volunteers to work alongside childcare staff in the playroom in Waterside House Refuge and for Volunteers to assist in promoting and running various fundraising events.  

For further information: www.cope.ie

 

---

Croí

Croí is a charity dedicated to pursuing and attaining the highest level of Cardiovascular Health Care for the people of the West of Ireland. Since 1985 it has funded and implemented a wide range of initiatives to improve Cardiac Services and Facilities in the region. Volunteers with Croí can get involved with fundraising, events like the Gala Ball or run a marathon!

For further information: www.croi.ie

---

Digital Enterprise Research Institute  (DERI)

DERI’s aim is to promote the development of an 'Online Galway, Accessible to All' by increasing awareness and use of new web technology tools and services.  DERI targets groups ranging from active retirement associations through to primary school pupils. A web-cafe service which has been set up at Salthill's Asylum Seekers Accommodation Centre requires volunteers to supervise the facility. 

For further information: www.deri.ie

 

---

Dochas - Nasamu Children’s Home  Kenya

There is a small charity shop on Newcastle Road, “Harrambee Charity Shop”.  This shop was established by Maryanne Wangare to provide funds for an orphanage run by her mother in Kenya.  The orphanage Dochas Nasamu Children’s Home now has 55 orphans between the aged 2-18 years. Most of the parents of the children have died of AIDS and some of the orphans have been diagnosed as HIV positive. The only major source of supply and support for the Children’s Home comes from Irish friends and well wishers.  Harrambee Charity Shop is an important focal point in Galway for the Children’s in Kenya and needs volunteers to work there during the week.  Any help, no matter how small is welcome.

---

EIL Intercultural Learning 

EIL Intercultural Learning ia an Irish not for profit organisation supporting local projects across the world.  Our Volunteer and Internship Abroad programme involves living, working and making a difference in a local community while learning about a new culture and gaining a new perspective on global and development issues.

For further information: www.eilireland.org 

---

Enable Ireland

Enable Ireland is the leading national voluntary organisation providing a range of support and therapy services for children and adults with physical and sensory disabilities.  Established in 1996, the Enable Ireland Child Development Centre on the Seamus Quirke Rd provides services to children with physical and sensory disabilities and their families in Galway.  Volunteer opportunities include: fundraising, children’s activities, sports camps and assisting in the Enable Ireland Shop.

For further information: www.enableireland.ie

---

For more information, visit: www.foundation-nepal.org 

---

 

Flirt FM

Flirt FM began its life as Galway’s Student Radio Station in 1995. Encompassing the campuses of NUI Galway and GMIT, it is one of only three Irish student stations. The station broadcasts weekdays year round, taking short breaks for Christmas and Easter. Whether your interest lies in production, technical work, promotion, research, editing or presenting, Flirt FM would like to hear from you.

For further information: www.flirtfm.ie

---

GAF Youth Café

The Gaf Youth Café is a city based support service for young people (14-21years) from Galway city and county.  The Gaf believes young people need: somewhere safe to go to enjoy themselves and meet friends; something to do that doesn’t cost a fortune; a safe space to call their own; and access to support in a confidential and respectful place.  It is only with the help of dynamic, energetic and affable volunteers that it can achieve these aims.

For further information: www.thegaf.ie

---

Galway City Community Forum

The Galway City Community Forum acts as the representative, collective voice of over 170 community and voluntary organisations in Galway City. Community Fora have been set up in all cities and counties in Ireland to allow effective participation of the community sector in the local political, community and development process.

For further information: www.galwaycityforum.ie

---

Galway Rape Crisis Centre

The Galway Rape Crisis Centre aims to offer a caring support and counselling service to survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence and seeks to raise public awareness around the issues of sexual abuse and violence by means of education and training. Many volunteers work in providing counselling and telephone helpline services, while other volunteers - including students - provide vital support through researching and implementing fundraising initiatives. For further information: www.galwayrcc.org

---

Galway Refugee Support Group

The Galway Refugee Support Group is a community development organisation working with asylum seekers and refugees to strive towards a just and fair society where people seeking asylum have access to just and fair procedures, appropriate services, support and resources; and where those granted asylum can fully participate in all aspects of Irish society. GRSG works on a number of levels – supporting asylum seekers and refugees to develop their own initiatives/projects, promoting diversity and interculturalism, research, policy development and lobbying and campaigning to improve the situation of this community in Galway city.

Further information on Refugee Support Groups is available at: www.integratingireland.ie

---

Galway Simon Community

The Galway Simon Community’s vision is one of a society where everyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness is enabled and empowered to have a home appropriate to their needs. It  has a range of housing projects for men and women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness which, together with a number of apartments, provide different levels of support based as closely as possible on the needs and wishes of the individual.  Volunteer opportunities include: fundraising, shop work or event organisation.

For further information: www.galwaysimon.ie

---

Galway Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA)

 

The GSPCA cover the city and county and deal with cruelty cases, animals needing assistance, lost and found animals, road traffic accidents and wildlife. The organisation has a shelter for dogs and cats and at present has 80 dogs and around 50 cats. The GSPCA needs volunteers in lots of areas in both the city and in its shelter in Killimor, Galway.For further information: www.galway-spca.com 

---

 

Galway Traveller Movement

 

Established in 1994, the Galway Traveller Movement is a partnership organisation of Travellers and settled people working together to achieve equality and self-determination for the Traveller community in Galway City. The vision of the GTM is achieve full equality for Travellers and to accomplish full participation of Travellers in social, economic, political and cultural life as well as the broader enhancement of social justice.

For further information: www.gtmtrav.ie

---

Galway Volunteer Centre (GVC)

The Galway Volunteer Centre provides information and advice to people interested in volunteering and to organisations looking for volunteers. The GVC is based in Westside, Galway, and  also offers training and support to volunteers and organisations that involve volunteers. For further information: www.volunteergalway.ie

 

---

Galway Youth Information Centre

The Galway Youth Information Centre’s objectives include: to provide a service which is open to all young people without discrimination; to ensure the service is centred on the needs of young people; and to provide young people in Galway City with relevant, up to date, and accessible information.  Opportunities available to the student volunteer include: updating information files, outreach, information stands, research for publications, and participation in events.For further information: www.youthinformation.ie

---

Garda Reserve

The Garda Reserve is made up of voluntary unpaid members drawn from the community to assist the existing service.  Garda Reserve members are volunteers with limited powers while on duty.  They perform policing duties under the supervision of and accompanied by full time Gardaí.  Their role is to provide local patrols and participate in crime prevention initiatives targeted at specific local problem areas.For further information: www.garda.ie 

 

---

GOAL

GOAL is an international humanitarian agency dedicated to the alleviation of suffering amongst the poorest of the poor. In 2007, its 30th Anniversary, GOAL continues to work towards ensuring that the poorest and most vulnerable in our world and those affected by humanitarian crises have access to the fundamental needs and rights of life, i.e. food, water, shelter, medical attention and primary education.  GOAL is non-denominational, non-governmental and non-political.

For further information: www.goal.ie

---

Gorta – The Freedom from Hunger Council

Gorta’s mission is to work for a world free from the injustices of chronic hunger, poverty and disease, having special regard for the plight of children and the empowerment of women. Gorta was established by the Department of Agriculture in 1965 at the request of the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations and is now an independent NGO.

For further information: www.gorta.org

 

---

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is an International Organisation that builds and renovates homes in partnership with people in need. Through its Global Village Sending programme Irish Volunteers travel for two weeks to Habitat for Humanity projects around the world where they build alongside the families who will then have the opportunity to own a home for the first time in their lives.  No previous building experience is necessary and the Global Village Programme is open to all disciplines within the University.

For further information: www.habitatireland.ie

---

 

Home-Start
Home-Start is a support service for families with young children. Each Home-Start volunteer visits a family regularly, offering friendship, emotional support and practical help.  The family may be under stress due to isolation, ill-health or financial difficulties - or may simply be exhausted by the challenge of raising small children without much support.  In Galway, Home-Start volunteers support families in the Athenry, Loughrea, Carnmore and Oranmore areas.  Talking with the parents, playing with the children, helping with housework and assisting with outings or appointments may be offered. 

For further information: www.homestartireland.ie

---

Irish Cancer Society

 

The Irish Kidney Association (IKA), founded in 1978, is a charitable, voluntary organisation dedicated to meeting the needs of kidney patients, their families and carers. IKA promotes organ donor awareness through the distribution of the Organ Donor Card and Public Awareness Campaigns; provides help and support to renal patients through counselling, patient aid, holidays, home dialysis machines and other services.  Fundraising is essential to maintain the above services. Volunteers are needed, especially during Organ Donor Awareness Week (usually 1st week in April).

For further information: www.ika.ie

---

Irish Wheelchair Association

The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) is the national organisation of people with limited mobility. With over 20,000 members and service users, the role of IWA is: to advocate for change, locally and nationally, by representing the issues and concerns of adults and children with limited mobility; to research, develop and pilot new concepts of service delivery and to deliver services in partnership with state agencies.

For further information: www.iwa.ie 

---

The ISPCC exist to ensure all children in Ireland are heard and valued.  it provides a unique range of preventative and early intervention services such as Childline, Childline online, Teenfocus and Childfocus.  These services are volunteer led - volunteers are fully trained and supported by professional staff.  The ISPCC also advocates on behlf of children on campaigns such as children's rights and garda vetting.  The ISPCC recieves less than 15% government funding.

For further information: www.ispcc.ie

---

Meningitis Trust

 

The Meningitis Trust helps people affected by meningitis, and works to educate the public and raise awareness of the disease.  Children, students/young adults and the over 55's are most at risk, but meningitis can affect anyone, at any age, at any time.  All the services are free, but with limited financial and other resources, we need help to publicise these services, and to assist with national and local awareness raising and fundraising events. 

For further information: www.meningitis-trust.ie

---

 

It is the aim in the Mercy Secondary School to promote partnership between students and staff in the school, local communities and NUI Galway. NUI Galway student volunteers present the ideal forum through which this partnership can be forwarded. Last year, Mercy Secondary School benefited from grinds which NUI Galway undergraduates and trainee teachers provided in its secondary school to exam students. It was a particularly excellent resource to the young people.

For further information: www.mercygalway.ie

---

NUI Galway Access

The Access schools programme delivers tours, sports and homework coaching to young people (9-13 years). The aim of the programme is to introduce the youngsters to the world of NUI Galway and to open their minds to the opportunities that education can bring into their lives.  The volunteering is conveniently based on campus and involves working with a team of other volunteers. 

For further information: www.nuigalway.ie/access

---

NUI Galway Student Connect

Mentoring can be described as providing guidance, support and practical help through life crises or into new stages of development.  The Student Connect Programme at NUI Galway is run to help first year students by linking them up with a group of other first year students and a post-first year Mentor.  It’s a simple programme aimed at speeding up the rate at which first year students make friends and learn about the University. 

For further information: www.student-connect.nuigalway.ie

---

NUI Galway Career Connect Mentoring Programme

Need help figuring out your career?  Why not talk with a Mentor.  Career Connect puts students in touch with a Career Mentor - somebody working in an area or career that may be of interest to them.  Over a period of time the Mentor shares experience, expertise and advice with the student to assist them with their career development. 

For further information: www.nuigalway.ie/careers 

---

NUI Galway Societies

Societies offer excellent volunteering opportunities from working in the wider community to helping create vibrant social, cultural, humanitarian and educational events for the University community.  To volunteer with a society, and partake in the ALIVE programme, log into ‘Your Space’ on www.socs.nuigalway.ie

---

Positive Mental Health Foundation

The Positive Mental Health Foundation’s trained facilitators deliver a course of eight sessions on a weekly basis to Transition Year/Pre-Leaving Certificate students in schools both in Galway City and County.  The aim of the programme is to enable students to develop sound mental and emotional skills through discussions and group work.  Areas covered include bullying, emotions/feelings, self-esteem and stress. 

For further information: www.positivementalhealth.ie 

---

RehabCare  - West

RehabCare provides a range of community and centre based services to people with disabilities and mental health issues in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.  Particular emphasis is put on health and welfare; education and training; social housing; and employment and personal development/recovery.  RehabCare supports people in regaining control over their lives following illness or difficulty.

For further information: www.rehab.ie

---

Samaritans

 

Samaritans provides non-judgemental and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.  Its service is entirely dependent on voluntary support from ordinary people in the community whether it be on the phones or through fundraising.

For further information: www.samaritans.org 

---

Scouting Ireland

Scouting Ireland is the National Scout Association for Ireland and a member of the World Organisation of Scouting.  The aim of Scouting Ireland is to create an environment and atmosphere in which young people can grow to reach their full potential and become active and dynamic citizens.  Scouting is value-based - scouting values respect for others, the environment and oneself. Talk to Scouting Ireland if you are interested in working with young people on practical and fun activities.

For further information: www.scouts.ie

---

Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) is an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organisation.  Our mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species.  Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas.  By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately-balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations.

For further information: www.seashepherd.org

 

The Galway Simon Community is a Galway based Charity that provides care, accomodation and supportive services to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the West of Ireland.  Established in 1979, Galway Simon has since developed a continuum of services to best facilitate the most vulnerable people in our society today.  We currently provide accomodation to over 100 men and women throughout Galway City.  In addition to this our Day Centre provides additional supportive services to families and individuals who are experiencing homelessness.

For further information: www.galwaysimon.ie

---

 

Currently Special Olympics Connaught offers the following sports: Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Bocce, Bowling Equestrian, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Kayaking, Pitch & Putt and Table Tennis.  It also offers the Motor Activities Training Programme (MATP).

In addition to providing sports training and competition, Special Olympics Connaught also incorporates the Athlete Leadrership Programme (ALPs), the Family Support Programme, Healthy Athlete and Volunteer Programme.

For further information: www.specialolympics.ie

---

 

SpunOut.ie

 

The Galway based SpunOut.ie website is a youth-led media initiative covering all aspects of youth info, health, lifestyle and activism. SpunOut.ie aims to guide young people through life with quality information, support and inspiration.  It also seeks to provide a platform for getting help

For further information: www.spunout.ie

 

---

Croi na Gaillimhe Resource Centre provides a social club for older people and educational supports for youths and adults.  It also provides adult education programmes and opportunities for intergenerational learning.

For further information: www.croi-na-gaillimhe.org

Founded in 2002, Suas is a youth and education focused organisation, with programmes in India, Ireland and Kenya. Suas supports the education of over 10,000 children a year in its overseas schools.  A network of twelve college societies provides opportunities to volunteer in mentoring projects in Ireland and to manage fundraising activities. Its Overseas Volunteer Programme offers enthusiastic young people the opportunity to volunteer in a community-based school or educational project in India or Kenya for ten weeks.

For further information: www.suas.ie

---

UNICEF

UNICEF is the leading children’s organisation, reaching children in more than 150 less-developed countries around the world. UNICEF believes that every child should have clean water, food, health care, education, and a safe environment in which to grow up. It works with local communities, organisations and governments to make a lasting difference to children’s lives.

For further information: www.unicef.ie

 

---