Volunteering

The Galway Rape Crisis Centre has a dedicated team of specially trained volunteers who operate the following services:

1. Helpline Volunteers

The helpline is often the first point of contact for survivors. It is also there as a support service to on-going clients, supporters of survivors or anyone who might like to talk about issues relating to sexual violence or sexual abuse, find out more about our services or discuss any other concerns they might have which relate to this area. Every caller is treated as an individual with respect and dignity and given the time and understanding they need to get the help and support they deserve.

2. Volunteer Counsellors

Volunteer counsellors form an integral part of the services provided by GRCC. Our volunteers are trained under the auspices of the Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI). The aim of the training is to provide prospective volunteers with a good foundation in counselling theory and counselling skills.

3. S.A.T.U. Volunteers

The Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) gives essential care and forensic support to people who have been the survivors of sexual assault and rape. The work done at these units is of prime importance on two fronts, firstly in the provision of sensitive care to assault survivors who are often traumatised and deeply distressed, but also in taking the necessary steps to support the survivor and the judicial system in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The Galway Rape Crisis Centre has a dedicated group of volunteers who are available to offer support to women and men who are attending the Garda Station, A & E or Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in Galway.

SUPPORT WORKERS NEEDED

Galway Rape Crisis Centre requires female volunteers for the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit. We provide psychological support to males/females attending the unit in the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault.

Full training is provided. Out of pocket expenses covered.

Would you like to make a difference? Then don’t wait another minute, for further information and application form click here, or email grccvolunteers@gmail.com or call us

Galway Rape Crisis Centre,
7 Claddagh Quay,Galway
or phone 091 583149

4. Court Accompaniment

The GRCC has a group of trained volunteers who are available to accompany clients of the Centre to court hearings.

The legal process can be a daunting one and court hearings are often difficult and confusing. Our volunteers offer support and information to clients who are going through this process.

5. Education/Outreach Talks

The GRCC provides an educational prevention and awareness programme for groups and young people. Talks and workshops are held in a safe-space and are designed to educate, challenge and stimulate participants to explore new ways of thinking.

Staff and specially trained volunteers will visit schools, community groups etc to provide information and to promote prevention and awareness of all aspects of sexual violence.

6. Fundraising Volunteers

Do you have a few hours to spare every now and then? Volunteering is a great opportunity to meet people, have fun, and help us to support survivors of sexual abuse in Galway. We run events all year round and we are always looking for volunteers to help us out. For further information, please contact Dawn on
091 583149 or e-mail dawngrcc@gmail.com

If you can spare any time, we would love to hear from you. Your efforts truly can make a difference.

What do our volunteers say.........................
When I stand out on the streets of Galway collecting for the GRCC there are two comments I constantly hear. ‘That’s such a worthy cause’ and ‘It’s badly needed’. Many say nothing at all but their donations speak volumes. Such generosity shows just how supportive people are in spirit and financially especially with the economic downturn. For me, it’s only a few hours out of my day, a few times a year and is very heartening to see such responses. Other volunteers I’ve met feel exactly the same way too. Time that cost nothing but makes a huge difference to the GRCC who rely heavily on fundraising events to keep their doors open due to on-going demand for it’s services.
Trish

7. Internships

GRCC recruits Interns twice yearly, June and December - due to the number of requests from people wishing to be an Intern at the centre we cannot reply to each person individually but if CV's are emailed to coordinator@galwayrcc.org they will be kept on file and applicants will be contacted when the Internship recruitment date is coming up.

A Big ‘Thank You’ to all our Volunteers

Here in the Galway Rape Crisis Centre we recognize that we could not offer such a wide range of services without the ongoing support of our dedicated volunteers. They are the backbone of the organization. We are committed to their care and training. All volunteers receive extensive training from our volunteer coordinators and other staff members, before selection for one of the above programmes. In addition we provide regular supervision, which allow volunteers to share insights and receive mutual support. These meetings also include ongoing training and inputs from other organizations as required.

We recruit for our volunteer teams on a twice-yearly basis. If you are interested in volunteering for the Galway Rape Crisis Centre you can phone or email us for further information.

‘The training I received was fantastic and it has been an amazing opportunity to volunteer in the Galway Rape Crisis Centre and help make a difference’