Welcome
Thank you for taking an interest in volunteering with us. Cahercalla Community Care is a not-for-profit community hospital and nursing home on the Cahercalla Road in Ennis. We look after people from convalescence through to long-term care. We try to make it feel like home, with gardens, a café and plenty going on for the residents through the year.
Cahercalla is an independent, voluntary, charitable not-for-profit hospital. It is governed by a voluntary Board of Management, whose members give their time, expertise and dedication without payment, so the whole place is built on people giving their time. Cahercalla belongs to the community and is kept going by the community. Some of our volunteers come in every week to sit with residents; others give a few hours a year at a fundraiser. We are grateful for all of it.
This pack explains the different ways you can help, what is involved, and how to get started. If you have any questions, ask any of us, or ring or email using the details on the back page.
Why volunteer with us?
- It makes a real difference to the residents, many of whom would love a bit more company, and to their families.
- You will be part of a friendly team of staff and volunteers who look out for each other.
- You decide what you do and how often. An hour a week, a morning a month or a few events a year are all welcome.
- We will show you the ropes and support you, and give you any training your role needs.
- It is good for you as well. People tell us they get as much out of it as they put in, and it is useful experience for a CV or college application.
Our values
Everything here comes back to treating the people in our care with dignity, kindness and respect. As a volunteer you are part of that. We ask you to be kind to residents, families and staff alike, to keep to yourself anything you learn about residents, and to work safely and within what your role allows.
The café, a resident’s room looking out on the gardens, and a visit with family
Ways you can help
These are the main things volunteers do for us. If you have a skill or an idea that is not on the list, tell us. Plenty of what goes on here started with somebody offering.
| Resident companion / befriender |
| What you would do: Call in to residents who would like a bit of company: a chat and a cup of tea, a walk around the gardens, reading the paper to them, a game of cards, praying with someone who would welcome it, helping to write a letter, helping a resident keep in touch with family by phone or video call, or just sitting with somebody who does not get many visitors.
Time commitment: Usually an hour or two a week, at a regular time that suits you and the resident.
Good for: somebody patient who is a good listener and at ease with older people and people who are unwell. |
| Activities helper |
| What you would do: Give a hand with the activities: bingo, quizzes, music and sing-songs, arts and crafts, gardening, baking, gentle exercise, and the parties for birthdays, Christmas and the like. Help set up, encourage residents to join in and help anyone who needs it.
Time commitment: Two or three hours on a set morning or afternoon, weekly or fortnightly.
Good for: somebody outgoing who enjoys a bit of fun and is happy to muck in. |
| Visitor host / corridor guide |
| What you would do: Be a friendly face on the corridor after reception: point visitors and family towards the right room or ward, let them know about the café and that they are welcome to use it (ideally during visiting times), and generally help people find their way around.
Time commitment: An hour or two, ideally timed to coincide with visiting times.
Good for: somebody welcoming who knows the building and enjoys meeting people. |
| Music, entertainment and skills |
| What you would do: If you play an instrument, sing, dance, tell stories, do hair or nails, have a quiet dog, or could give a talk or a short class, the residents would love to see you. A once-off visit is as welcome as a regular one.
Time commitment: Whatever suits, from a single visit to a monthly slot.
Good for: anyone with a talent or a hobby they are willing to share. |
| Café, gardens and practical help |
| What you would do: Help out in the café, keep the gardens tidy, do a bit of painting or light maintenance, or give a hand with deliveries, decorating and setting up for events.
Time commitment: A couple of hours whenever you are free, or a regular slot.
Good for: people who would rather be doing something practical. |
| Fundraising and event volunteer |
| What you would do: Help on the day at our fundraisers, such as the Family Fun Day, Clare’s Fittest Superstars, raffles and the Christmas events: bucket collections, selling raffle tickets and merchandise, face painting, the teddy bear clinic, stewarding, and setting up and packing away.
Time commitment: A few hours at each event, usually three or four events a year. Nothing in between.
Good for: people who enjoy a good day out and meeting people, but cannot commit to something every week. |
| Fundraising committee member |
| What you would do: Help plan and run the fundraising through the year: ideas for events, asking local businesses for sponsorship and prizes, keeping an eye on budgets, publicity and social media, and taking a share of the organising.
Time commitment: A short meeting most weeks coming up to an event, plus jobs in between. Ideally you would stay with us for a year or so.
Good for: organised people, people who know a lot of people locally, or anyone with a background in marketing, finance, sales or events. |
| Board and governance |
| What you would do: Cahercalla is run by a voluntary Board of Management. From time to time we look for people with experience in healthcare, finance, law, governance, HR or communications to join the Board or one of its sub-committees.
Time commitment: Board meetings roughly monthly, with some reading beforehand and occasional sub-committee work. Board members serve for a fixed term.
Good for: people with professional or leadership experience who want to help secure the future of Cahercalla. |
| Community ambassador |
| What you would do: Spread the word: put up a poster, share our posts online, sell a book of raffle tickets at work or in your club, and tell us about businesses, clubs and groups that might support us.
Time commitment: As much or as little as you like.
Good for: anyone who is happy to put in a good word for Cahercalla. |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience or qualifications? No. Being reliable, kind and sensible is what counts. We will show you anything particular to your role.
Is there a minimum age? Volunteers working with residents must be 18 or over. Young people aged 16 and 17 are welcome at fundraising events with a parent or guardian’s consent, and Transition Year students can talk to us about placements.
How much time do I have to give? That is up to you. Regular volunteers usually give one to three hours a week; event volunteers give a few hours a few times a year.
Can I volunteer as a group? Yes. Workplaces, clubs, schools and colleges are welcome for events, garden days and once-off projects. Get in touch and we will work something out.
What if I find it upsetting? It can be, especially if a resident you know becomes unwell or passes away, and that is normal. There will always be somebody here to talk to.
What to expect
Getting started
The steps below are simple and we will guide you through them.
- Expression of interest. Fill in the form at the back of this pack and drop it in to reception, or contact us using the details on the back page.
- A chat. We will meet you, or ring you, to talk about what you would like to do, when you are free and what you might need from us.
- Garda vetting and references. Anyone who will be interacting with residents must be Garda vetted before they start, and we will ask for two references. We do the vetting application with you; it costs nothing and usually takes a few weeks. It is not needed for roles with no contact with residents, such as helping at a fundraiser or serving on the committee or the Board.
- A short introduction to Cahercalla and our policies on confidentiality, safeguarding, infection control, health and safety and fire safety, and a walk around so you know where things are and who to ask.
- Getting going. We will introduce you to the staff you will be working with and give you a named person to go to. If you are visiting residents, we will match you with people who would enjoy your company.
What we ask of you
- Turn up when you say you will. Residents look forward to visits, so if you cannot make it, let us know as early as you can.
- Keep residents’ privacy. What you see and hear here stays here, and that includes social media.
- Stick to your role. Volunteers do not give personal or nursing care, give out medication or lift residents. That is for the staff, and if you are worried about anyone, tell a member of staff.
- Follow our infection control guidance, and please stay at home if you are unwell.
- Sign in and out and wear your volunteer badge or T-shirt while you are with us.
What you can expect from us
- A proper welcome, a named person to go to, and induction and training for your role.
- Clear information about what is expected of you, and the support to do it.
- Insurance cover while you are volunteering in an agreed role.
- Volunteers are invited to our celebrations and events, and we do not forget who helped us.
- The freedom to change what you do, cut back your hours or take a break whenever you need.
Volunteer expression of interest
Fill this in and drop it in to reception at Cahercalla, post it to us, or email us a photo of it. We will be in touch within a few days. Your details are kept securely and only used to contact you about volunteering. Volunteers who will be interacting with residents are Garda vetted before they start.
| Name |
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| Address |
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| Phone |
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| Email |
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| Date of birth (if under 18) |
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| Emergency contact (name & phone) |
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| How did you hear about us? |
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I am interested in (tick all that apply):
| ☐ Resident companion / befriender
☐ Activities helper
☐ Visitor host / corridor guide
☐ Music, entertainment or a skill I can share
☐ Café, gardens or practical help |
☐ Fundraising and event volunteer
☐ Fundraising committee member
☐ Board / governance
☐ Community ambassador
☐ Not sure yet – tell me more |
| Skills, hobbies or experience you would like to share |
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| When are you generally available? (days / mornings / afternoons / evenings / weekends / events only) |
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| Anything else we should know? (e.g. access needs, languages, transport) |
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| ☐ I am happy to be contacted about volunteering. |
☐ I am happy to receive news about Cahercalla events. |
| Signature: |
Date: |
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| Parent/guardian signature (if under 18): |
Date: |
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Get in touch
The easiest way to start is to talk to us.
| Volunteer contact |
Sheryl, Fundraising & Volunteer Coordinator – 065 682 4388 |
| Board of Directors contact |
Gabriella Hanrahan — 087 770 8216 |
| Head of Operations |
Kate Burke — 087 102 2983 |
| Phone |
065 682 4388 |
| Email |
sherylknowles@cahercalla.ie |
| Address |
Cahercalla Community Care, Cahercalla Road, Ennis, Co. Clare |
| Web |
www.cahercalla.ie |
| Charity number |
CHY 10277 |
Members of the voluntary Board of Management at Cahercalla
Not able to volunteer right now?
You can still help by becoming a Friend of Cahercalla, making a donation, or coming along to one of our fundraising events. See www.cahercalla.ie or ring us for details.
Clare Volunteer Centre
Cahercalla works with Clare Volunteer Centre, who can also help you find volunteering that suits you anywhere in the county. Clare is European Volunteering Capital for 2027.
Thank you for considering us.
We hope to see you at Cahercalla.
