Volunteer Spotlight: Eileen Stapleton

Eileen first heard about the Louth Volunteer Centre when she was attending at the local employment service’s Jobs Club course. She had been unsuccessful in her job search for quite a while, so it was when Kayleigh, Louth Volunteer Centre's Volunteer Liaison Officer, pointed out that ¾ of employers will actually hire someone with volunteering on their CV over someone who hasn’t volunteered, that something clicked. Kayleigh had shown the Jobs Club a list of different volunteering opportunities available to everyone.

After hearing about all the volunteer opportunities available to her, Eileen signed up with Louth Volunteer Centre that day. After two weeks, she was contacted by the organisation she applied to and started working there after applying for the role. At the time, Louth Volunteer Centre was looking for an office administrator and after an interview, Eileen was successful and got the job with them. She has been volunteering with Louth Volunteer Centre among other organisations including fundraising, stewarding and event for over two years now.

Prior to volunteering, Eileen had been working with the County Council and the Revenue Commissioners in the Department of Social Protection for eight years. Following from that, she did a two year C.E scheme with SWAP which is Simons Women’s Aid Project. “The main benefit for me would be maintaining my office administration skills. I had done a nine month course and had a lot of exams.” Says Eileen. The social outlet is also an important aspect of volunteering for her. “It’s a great opportunity for getting out there and meeting people. It looks very good on a C.V if you put down that you’ve volunteered with organisations.”

If you, like Eileen, might like to do something with your free time or wishing to maintain particular skills and would be interested in volunteering, please get in touch and we will have a chat about relevant opportunities in your area.