After 14 years working in the farming sector Stephen found himself laid off last March. He went to the Jobsclub in Navan and it was there that he was introduced to Meath Volunteer Centre. ‘I’d never have thought about volunteering before, it just wasn’t something that was on my radar. But it gave me a whole different view of life. I suppose I was like an old computer that needed the hardware taken out and all the viruses cleared out!’

Joy is a 24 year old musician from Navan. She volunteers her time and skills to organise an annual charity concert in Navan as well as volunteering with a local youth group.

Anne is a 31 year old mother of 3 from Navan. She worked in finance for many years before giving up her career in 2006 after the birth of her first child. ‘I started volunteering for a number of reasons really. One of the reasons was that I am hoping to go into social care when the children are older and I thought this would be a great way to explore this type of career. And obviously there’s the social interaction, been a full time mother, I’ve missed meeting other adults.’

Ju is a mother of 4 from Trim. She is originally from Korea but moved to Trim 6 years ago with her husband and family. She volunteers for Navan Community Development Project where she provides quilt making classes for ladies with intellectual disabilities from Rehabcare.

Earlier this month a group called Urban Soul came to Meath under the invitation of Navan’s Lighthouse Church. The volunteers came from all across the US and Europe and in just 5 days this energetic team worked with a variety of groups throughout the county to leave a lasting impression on Co Meath. I spoke to Pastor Jamie, a senior leader in the church in Navan to find out more:

Maurice is a 27 year old out of work actor from Navan. Maurice found it very daunting being out of work for so long as the only thing he ever knew was acting. ‘My brain was becoming fried and I was becoming depressed with nothing to do. I went to the jobs club and this is where I was introduced to Meath Volunteer Centre.   They came into one day to explain the concept of volunteering and the benefits it could bring.’

What does volunteering mean for you?

It means that I feel that I am useful in life and that my life has a meaning, the fact of helping, as much as I can and seeing this reflected on people’s reaction and on their faces it means a lot to me.

What does volunteering mean for you?

Volunteering is a great way to get involved with my community. I have learned new things, made new friends and know that I am helping someone.

What does volunteering mean for you?

For me volunteering means taking time out and doing something in the hope it will help make a difference to however small to someone else’s life.