Volunteering Over 25 Years

by Ger, Aware Volunteer

I first got involved with Aware 25 years ago when I attended a support group for relatives, as my husband had been diagnosed with Manic Depression, now called Bi-polar Disorder.  My husband also attended a support group and the help and support we received from Aware enabled us to get through some very difficult years. We both found it very encouraging to meet people with similar conditions, who were struggling with the same problems of stigma, lack of information and the difficulty in sourcing the correct treatment.

After some time I was asked to help out at the Aware annual flag day and I was only too happy to do so and give back something to the organisation that had provided me and my family with so much help and encouragement. And so began my 25 years as a volunteer with Aware.

Working as a volunteer has been a very rewarding experience. Over the years I have filled many roles including group facilitator, facilitator trainer, co-ordinator of a Dublin group and, of course, fundraising. Volunteering has also had a very positive influence on my personal growth.  Indeed, I was asked to join the Board of Directors and subsequently served as Honorary Treasurer. And then in 2000 I felt very honoured to be elected Chairman of the Board, a role I held for three years until I moved to the West of Ireland where I am still involved as a Facilitator and Trainer.

Little did I know that when I attended my first relatives support group that I would get so involved with this organisation which means so much to me. This involvement has not only given me and my family so much support but we have also made many very strong enduring friendships through Aware.

Looking back on the past 25 years I feel very proud to have been involved as a volunteer with Aware and to have participated in its growth from small beginnings to the national organisation it is today.


Thanks to Ger for sharing her story - if you'd like to share your own experience with us, just leave a comment below. If you're interested in getting involved with Aware, have a look at our Volunteering Opportunities.

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