A previous student of Psychology, Lisa is aiming to go on to further her studies next year and sees volunteer work as the perfect way to gain some experience in the meantime.

Having just completed her training with Childline as a call facilitator, Lisa commented;

 ‘I found the training really excellent,  it was very interesting to see how active listening skills can be used in so many areas of your life, whether its in the workplace or in your own personal life.’

She added that she finds excellent support and supervision within the organisation as there is always someone there on hand if any issues come up on a shift. 

When asked what she feels is one of the best things about volunteering she said ‘it’s lovely how you just become part of a group instantly, even if its just for an hour on the street, everyone has a sense of togetherness and you all have such a laugh’

Once off connections can also be maintained as Lisa discussed when she told me about her experience of volunteering last year with The Centre for Independent Living. Lisa was amongst a group of local volunteers who worked as Mobility Assistants for a group of Ethiopian wheelchair users visiting Ireland. She found this to be a great experience and is now still in touch with some of the volunteers she met on the programme.