This is Community!

In this week's episode Ruth chats to to Jakub Kostanski and Joseph Burke, two members of Youth Work Ireland Galway’s Youth Advisory Committee. We hear their current views on community and their insights and personal experiences on the impact of youth work, as well as what it's like being a young person right now.  Links www.youthworkgalway.ieYouth Advisory Committee@YouthAdvisoryCommitteeGalwayVolunteering in Galway Check out all our latest volunteering roles at http://www.volunteergalway.ie/volunteers/volunteer-vacancies.  You can click through on any of the roles and you can see more information and the ‘apply now’ button to contact the specific organisation advertising the role.    If you are already registered with us, just put in the email address you used to register and confirm your interest.  What happens then is that the organisation gets an email with your contact details and you get an email with their contact details.  The next step is for the organisation to contact you.If you are not registered just go the volunteer registration page on the website and register with us,  once you have that done you can apply for any of the roles on the website using your email address.

This week Ruth chats to Darren Bayliss, National Co-ordinator of Coder Dojo.  Darren’s shares his own journey in starting out as a volunteer ten years ago as well as what he considers to be the secret formula to success not just for young people attending clubs but for volunteers too!Link to Coder Dojo Volunteer Role - https://bit.ly/3hhpMPChttps://coderdojo.com/---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Volunteering in GalwayCheck out all our latest volunteering roles at http://www.volunteergalway.ie/volunteers/volunteer-vacancies.  You can click through on any of the roles and you can see more information and the ‘apply now’ button to contact the specific organisation advertising the role.  If you are already registered with us, just put in the email address you used to register and confirm your interest.  What happens then is that the organisation gets an email with your contact details and you get an email with their contact details.  The next step is for the organisation to contact you.If you are not registered just go the volunteer registration page on the website and register with us,  once you have that done you can apply for any of the roles on the website using your email address.

In this episode we speak to Kay Synott, an organic horticulturalist, gardener and educator from Moycullen about what is happening to our natural world where we live, and what we all can do about it.   One of the ways you can make changes is by looking at your garden, balcony, estate or even your business and see what you can do to help our non-human neighbours like bees, birds, butterflies.  We all have probably noticed the natural world a little more this year, and for many people it has been a lifeline to, feeling positive and getting a sense of perspective sometimes.It is important to point out though, that our natural world, and that includes us, is in jeopardy.  Whether it is climate change or just the massive reductions that have happened in biodiversity in recent decades, we do have to realise that as humans, we have a massive impact on all the other species around us.    Kay has been working with us over the last 2 months to provide seminars on rewilding, growing organic veg and fruit and generally about giving more space to let our animal and plant friends thrive.  And spoiler alert, we can achieve a lot by doing less, which is always good news!Contact email for Kay Synott - livinggardensgalway@gmail.comhttps://laois.ie/wp-content/uploads/Garden-Wildlife-Booklet-WEB-17MB.pdfhttp://www.wildflowersofireland.net/ https://www.irishwildflowers.ie/ https://www.treecouncil.ie/ https://www.biodiversityireland.ie/ https://birdwatchireland.ie/ All Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021-2025 & guidelines -  https://pollinators.ie/resources/---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Volunteering in GalwayCheck out all our latest volunteering roles at http://www.volunteergalway.ie/volunteers/volunteer-vacancies.  You can click through on any of the roles and you can see more information and the ‘apply now’ button to contact the specific organisation advertising the role.  If you are already registered with us, just put in the email address you used to register and confirm your interest.  What happens then is that the organisation gets an email with your contact details and you get an email with their contact details.  The next step is for the organisation to contact you.If you are not registered just go the volunteer registration page on the website and register with us,  once you have that done you can apply for any of the roles on the website using your email address.

In this week’s episode Ruth chats to Rachel Maher and Danni Burke from Galway Community Café, a new out of hours mental health service in Galway city. Rachel and Danni are both peer connectors with the service and talk about how and why the service was created, what it means to them to be involved in it and their vision for the future with this model in our community. www.galwaycommunitycafe.ie Facebook -  @galwaycommunitycafeTwitter: @communitygalwayEmail : info@galwaycommunitycafe.ie---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Volunteering in GalwayCheck out all our latest volunteering roles at http://www.volunteergalway.ie/volunteers/volunteer-vacancies.  You can click through on any of the roles and you can see more information and the ‘apply now’ button to contact the specific organisation advertising the role.  If you are already registered with us, just put in the email address you used to register and confirm your interest.  What happens then is that the organisation gets an email with your contact details and you get an email with their contact details.  The next step is for the organisation to contact you.If you are not registered just go the volunteer registration page on the website and register with us,  once you have that done you can apply for any of the roles on the website using your email address.

This week Donncha speaks to Barry Dillon, Programme Manager with Venture Out Wilderness Project.   Venture Out is a charity  that provides outdoor activity based mental health and well-being, and personal development focused intervention to people and communities most in need, at little or no cost to the participants involved.   Barry and Donncha chat about the benefits of engaging with the outdoors particularly at the moment.More information on Venture Out Wilderness ProjectWebsite: https://www.venture-out.ie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ventureoutwildernessproject/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ventureoutWP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ventureoutwp/LinkdedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/venture-out-wilderness-project-clg/---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Volunteering in GalwayCheck out all our latest volunteering roles at http://www.volunteergalway.ie/volunteers/volunteer-vacancies.  You can click through on any of the roles and you can see more information and the ‘apply now’ button to contact the specific organisation advertising the role.  If you are already registered with us, just put in the email address you used to register and confirm your interest.  What happens then is that the organisation gets an email with your contact details and you get an email with their contact details.  The next step is for the organisation to contact you.If you are not registered just go the volunteer registration page on the website and register with us,  once you have that done you can apply for any of the roles on the website using your email address.

 This week Ruth chats to local Salthill-based fitness instructor Eoin O'Donnellan on the mental health benefits of staying active and carving out some 'You Time' in the week. With a variety of group activities from choir singing to working out on the beach in Salthill, Eoin speaks about his passion for helping others stay active and engaged in their community. For more information on classes check out https://ubfitsports.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/UBFit.Galway Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ubfitsports/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Volunteering in GalwayCheck out all our latest volunteering roles at http://www.volunteergalway.ie/volunteers/volunteer-vacancies.  You can click through on any of the roles and you can see more information and the ‘apply now’ button to contact the specific organisation advertising the role.  If you are already registered with us, just put in the email address you used to register and confirm your interest.  What happens then is that the organisation gets an email with your contact details and you get an email with their contact details.  The next step is for the organisation to contact you.If you are not registered just go the volunteer registration page on the website and register with us,  once you have that done you can apply for any of the roles on the website using your email address.

This week Ruth chats to Laura and Evelyn, two NUIG students who are organising and taking part in a month long challenge of getting into the sea every single day for November to raise money for a local mental health charity. Now it’s in third year, they speak about what is behind the campaign, what sea swimming does for their own mental health and why they are so passionate about this cause. For more information on Coldvember and to donate to the cause go to - idonate.ie/coldvembernuig or if you want to tag them in an Instagram story of your swim @coldvember_nuig or check out their Facebook page @coldvembernuig For more information on Helplink Mental Health please check out https://helplink.ie/ or their facebook page @helplinkmentalhealth -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Volunteering in GalwayCheck out all our latest volunteering roles at http://www.volunteergalway.ie/volunteers/volunteer-vacancies.  You can click through on any of the roles and you can see more information and the ‘apply now’ button to contact the specific organisation advertising the role.  If you are already registered with us, just put in the email address you used to register and confirm your interest.  What happens then is that the organisation gets an email with your contact details and you get an email with their contact details.  The next step is for the organisation to contact you.If you are not registered just go the volunteer registration page on the website and register with us,  once you have that done you can apply for any of the roles on the website using your email address. 

This week Ruth chats to Paul, Aggie, and Victoria from the Vincent’s team about the work of the charity, the role that charity shops play in our community and the impact and upsurge of donations over lockdown as they open their doors this Christmas! Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/svpwestside and https://www.facebook.com/SVPIrelandWebsite: www.svp.ieTwitter: https://twitter.com/SVP_IrelandLinks to their current rolesTreasure Hunter Volunteer Role: https://bit.ly/3niqeOhShop Assistant Volunteer Role: https://bit.ly/3mCCE2r---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Volunteering in GalwayCheck out all our latest volunteering roles at http://www.volunteergalway.ie/volunteers/volunteer-vacancies.  You can click through on any of the roles and you can see more information and the ‘apply now’ button to contact the specific organisation advertising the role.  If you are already registered with us, just put in the email address you used to register and confirm your interest.  What happens then is that the organisation gets an email with your contact details and you get an email with their contact details.  The next step is for the organisation to contact you.If you are not registered just go the volunteer registration page on the website and register with us,  once you have that done you can apply for any of the roles on the website using your email address.

Breathing in New Life- the quality of your breath can determine the quality of your life- This week Ruth chats to local yoga teacher Sinéad Mc Kiernan about her own personal journey towards wellness after experiencing chronic anxiety and how today her current yoga practice has grown into a thriving business with a very supportive community. www.loveyoga.euFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoveYogaLoveLiving/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinead.loveyoga/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Volunteering in GalwayCheck out all our latest volunteering roles at http://www.volunteergalway.ie/volunteers/volunteer-vacancies.  You can click through on any of the roles and you can see more information and the ‘apply now’ button to contact the specific organisation advertising the role.  If you are already registered with us, just put in the email address you used to register and confirm your interest.  What happens then is that the organisation gets an email with your contact details and you get an email with their contact details.  The next step is for the organisation to contact you.If you are not registered just go the volunteer registration page on the website and register with us,  once you have that done you can apply for any of the roles on the website using your email address.

In this episode we had the absolute pleasure of speaking to Brendan ‘Speedie’ Smith about an amazing new initiative he is kick-starting to make Galway a National Park City.  I speak to him a little bit about his previous community activity which spans probably every social issue you can think of,  but also I find out about what this whole National Park City initiative is about.  To get involved in the initiative you can email nationalparkcitygalway@gmail.com.  You can also check out National Park City London, and the National Park City Foundation.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Volunteering in GalwayCheck out all our latest volunteering roles at http://www.volunteergalway.ie/volunteers/volunteer-vacancies.  You can click through on any of the roles and you can see more information and the ‘apply now’ button to contact the specific organisation advertising the role.  If you are already registered with us, just put in the email address you used to register and confirm your interest.  What happens then is that the organisation gets an email with your contact details and you get an email with their contact details.  The next step is for the organisation to contact you.If you are not registered just go the volunteer registration page on the website and register with us,  once you have that done you can apply for any of the roles on the website using your email address.

On this show Donncha speaks to Sue Redmond, who is, amongst many other things, an experienced teacher in meditation and mindfulness practice.  We take a look at the benefits of meditation, some of the myths around in, and Sue gives some practical advice on how to go about getting started.Next week from the 21st of September we are celebrating National Volunteering Week.  If ever there was a year to celebrate volunteering, its 2020.  This year the focus of the week is thanking volunteers and organisations for everything they have done this year and encouraging everyone focus on their own health and well-being. It’s been a tough year for everyone so it’s important to make sure we’re all looking after ourselves too!During National Volunteering Week, Sue will delivering 2 free online Introduction to Meditation sessions on the morning of Monday 21st and the evening of Tuesday 22nd – part of these sessions will be a short piece of meditation practice, so if you are interested in joining us just click here for more info and to register.For more information about Sue and her work check out website: https://www.sueredmond.com/ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sueredmondphd/twitter: https://twitter.com/sueredmondphd

Yes we can! - a message from Galway International Arts Festival Volunteer manager Carly Zimmerman who speaks to Ruth this week about the newly launched GIAF Autumn programme and how the festival has adapted and continued to move forward in these challenging timesFor more information on GIAF check out website: www.giaf.iefacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GalwayInternationalArtsFest/twitter: @GalwayIntArtsinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/galwayintarts/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Volunteering in GalwayCheck out all our latest volunteering roles at http://www.volunteergalway.ie/volunteers/volunteer-vacancies.  You can click through on any of the roles and you can see more information and the ‘apply now’ button to contact the specific organisation advertising the role.  If you are already registered with us, just put in the email address you used to register and confirm your interest.  What happens then is that the organisation gets an email with your contact details and you get an email with their contact details.  The next step is for the organisation to contact you.If you are not registered just go the volunteer registration page on the website and register with us,  once you have that done you can apply for any of the roles on the website using your email address.

This week Ruth chats to Fionn Kiely who is a volunteer mentor with Big Brother Big Sister here in Galway. Fionn chats about his experience of being a Big Brother for almost five years and why he would recommend the programme to anyone thinking of this type of volunteer work.For more information on GAP check out website: https://www.foroige.ie/our-work/big-brother-big-sistervolunteer role details - https://www.i-vol.ie/volunteer-opportunity/?ID=a00D000000LNHxYIAX-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Volunteering in GalwayCheck out all our latest volunteering roles at http://www.volunteergalway.ie/volunteers/volunteer-vacancies.  You can click through on any of the roles and you can see more information and the ‘apply now’ button to contact the specific organisation advertising the role.  If you are already registered with us, just put in the email address you used to register and confirm your interest.  What happens then is that the organisation gets an email with your contact details and you get an email with their contact details.  The next step is for the organisation to contact you.If you are not registered just go the volunteer registration page on the website and register with us,  once you have that done you can apply for any of the roles on the website using your email address.

This week Ruth chats to Aisling Colreavy, coordinator with GAP. Aisling tells us about the extent of GAP’s work for families in Galway, the importance of listening when it comes to inclusion and how their plans for summer activities are currently taking shape.Links:Virtual Ladies Day Fundraiser -https://www.idonate.ie/virtualladiesdayFor more information on GAP check out website: www.galwayautimpartnershipfacebook: @galwayautismpartnershiptwitter: @galwayautismpar-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Volunteering in GalwayCheck out all our latest volunteering roles at http://www.volunteergalway.ie/volunteers/volunteer-vacancies.  You can click through on any of the roles and you can see more information and the ‘apply now’ button to contact the specific organisation advertising the role.  If you are already registered with us, just put in the email address you used to register and confirm your interest.  What happens then is that the organisation gets an email with your contact details and you get an email with their contact details.  The next step is for the organisation to contact you.If you are not registered just go the volunteer registration page on the website and register with us,  once you have that done you can apply for any of the roles on the website using your email address.

This week Ruth chats with Islammiyah Saudique from Amdalah Africa Foundation - AMDAF,  on their work with African women in the local community, their mission and how they have adapted during the Covid 19 crisis. Links https://www.facebook.com/amdafpage/ -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Volunteering in GalwayCheck out all our latest volunteering roles at http://www.volunteergalway.ie/volunteers/volunteer-vacancies.  You can click through on any of the roles and you can see more information and the ‘apply now’ button to contact the specific organisation advertising the role.  If you are already registered with us, just put in the email address you used to register and confirm your interest.  What happens then is that the organisation gets an email with your contact details and you get an email with their contact details.  The next step is for the organisation to contact you.If you are not registered just go the volunteer registration page on the website and register with us,  once you have that done you can apply for any of the roles on the website using your email address.

This week we focus on An Mheitheal Rothar, a social enterprise that focusses on bike recycling, training cyclists in bike maintenance and encouraging cycling as a sustainable way of life.The enterprise have just recently moved to a new premises in the Galway Shopping Centre on the Headford Road and Donncha spoke to Paul O Donnell, co-ordinator and one of the orginal founders of the project about its work, its ethos and its growth.   More about An Mheitheal RotharWebsite: http://www.bikeworkshops.ie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnMheithealRothar/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mheithealrothar-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Volunteering in GalwayCheck out all our latest volunteering roles at http://www.volunteergalway.ie/volunteers/volunteer-vacancies.  You can click through on any of the roles and you can see more information and the ‘apply now’ button to contact the specific organisation advertising the role.  If you are already registered with us, just put in the email address you used to register and confirm your interest.  What happens then is that the organisation gets an email with your contact details and you get an email with their contact details.  The next step is for the organisation to contact you.If you are not registered just go the volunteer registration page on the website and register with us,  once you have that done you can apply for any of the roles on the website using your email address.

In this week’s episode Ruth chats to Dave O’ Leary Rider Liaison Officer and Sharon Conroy former Controller and Social Media Manager with Blood Bike West. This entirely volunteer led service has been operating throughout the current pandemic, extending to 24/7 coverage both locally with pharmaceutical deliveries to those cocooning as well as nationally by delivering Covid-19 samples from western hospitals to the national virus reference centre in Dublin for testing prior to local testing centres. Blood Bike West have been part of the Community Response Forum which was set up by Galway City Council. More about Blood Bike WestWebsite: https://www.bloodbikewest.ie/homeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BloodBikeWest/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bloodbikewest-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Volunteering in GalwayCheck out all our latest volunteering roles at http://www.volunteergalway.ie/volunteers/volunteer-vacancies.  You can click through on any of the roles and you can see more information and the ‘apply now’ button to contact the specific organisation advertising the role.  If you are already registered with us, just put in the email address you used to register and confirm your interest.  What happens then is that the organisation gets an email with your contact details and you get an email with their contact details.  The next step is for the organisation to contact you.If you are not registered just go the volunteer registration page on the website and register with us,  once you have that done you can apply for any of the roles on the website using your email address.

In this episode Ruth talks to Lochlann Scott, CEO of Helplink, a Galway based mental health charity that provides accessible, free or low cost mental health services to the public both locally, nationally, and internationally. Helplink have developed specific services for anyone during the COVID 19 Crisis. Ruth speaks to Lochlann about their work and maintaining good mental health practices in such strange times.Find out more here -  - www.helplinkmentalhealth.ie and www.mindhacks.ie Find our more about Volunteer Galway  at www.volunteergalway.ie

In this episode Ruth chats to Geraldine Ryan, manager of COPE Galway's Community Catering service about their work in feeding the most vulnerable in our community during the COVID 19 Crisis.You can also hear Ruth chatting to 2 of COPE volunteers in a separate episode at https://volunteergalway.ie/volunteer-galway-podcast/You can find more info on COPE Galway at https://www.copegalway.ie/ and you can find out more about Galway Volunteer Centre's services at https://volunteergalway.ie/

In this episode Ruth talks to Mairead Geehan and Felicity Geraghty, who have been doing trojan work helping COPE Galway with their Community Catering service cooking the food and delivering meals to the most vulnerable in our community during the COVID 19 crisis.  In normal times COPE provide critical services in Galway City and County, and in the past 2 months with the help of people like Mairead and Felicity they have expanded their service to reach out and keep people well fed and healthy but also to maintain social contact with their existing and new clients.You can find more info on COPE Galway at https://www.copegalway.ie/ and you can find out more about Galway Volunteer Centre's services at https://volunteergalway.ie/