I was a volunteer quite some time ago and whilst attending the recent AGM, I was asked for my thoughts as a "Then and Now" article. I came to the Wednesday drop-in on a couple of occasions afterwards. When I was helping, we were struggling in many ways, through lack of space, equipment, volunteers and money.
The first change is the entry door. Previously, through no fault of our own, was open to all and sundry and, by and large, unmanned.
This caused many problems on our days. Now it is on a buzzer with a front desk attended by two volunteers with a signing in process and the issuing of appropriate badges. Also, DP have rented the two large rooms adjacent to the door. Now, everything required for a professional office is in situ, including all required scanners, copiers, wifi, desks, filing cabinets and a large document safe. Whereas previously our caseworker and assistants worked in a very tiny room downstairs with a basic copier, room for only a couple of people and intermittent wifi.
Downstairs, DP have refurbished the kitchen to highest standards, which is used to prepare tasty meals for, after Covid, the every growing number of service users, most of whom stay all day, as many activities take place. The clothes room looks well organised and in a different room.
The old clothes room now stores equipment, such as Pool items, games, books.
I'm glad to see our lovely barber is still operating.
Many subtle improvements have been made such as important notices are now printed in a dozen languages on boards strategically placed for maximum effect.
The food room is, as always, efficiently run, with much obvious respect and love shown to the service users when collecting.
Pool is popular and the art and craft section is still going strong.
English teaching still takes place in various rooms to allow for the disparity in ability. Also, now lessons are now given by qualified English volunteer teachers.
Volunteer staff are everywhere all demonstrating the humanitarian ethos I remember so well.
What has not changed is that everyone is loved and everything, food, clothes, activities, casework is still FREE.
David O'Keeffe - Past Trustee and Volunteer Manager of DP.
