New Volunteer Centre opens for business

Former Meath county football manager Sean Boylan recently launched the new Meath Volunteer Centre at a function in Solstice Arts Centre, Navan. The centre, which is located at New Cornmarket, Navan, just off Ludlow Street, provides information and advice to people interested in volunteering and to organisations looking for volunteers. It advertises vacancies, advises people on their options and helps organisations to recruit and support volunteers, and is funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The venture is managed by Meath Partnership. Sean Boylan showed his support for the initiative by referring to it as 'a fireplace" from which community and voluntary activity and spirit could be generated, at a time when 'we"ve never needed each other more'. He also suggested that the Meath Volunteer Centre will draw public attention to existing services and act as a facilitator in making volunteering activities more accessible to everybody. Gerard Weldon, chairperson of Meath Partnership, welcomed the attendance at the launch and gave an overview of the initiative along with personal insights into volunteering. Speakers at the launch included Dr Yvonne McKenna, CEO, Volunteer Centres Ireland; Susan Shorten, development manager, Meath Volunteer Centre, and Marjan Boers, placement officer, Meath Volunteer Centre. Fine Gael Navan Town Council candidate David Browne has welcomed the opening of the new volunteer centre. Speaking after attending the launch of the centre, Mr Browne said: 'The philosophy of volunteering has been something that may have been lost over the last number of years due to the greed and fast pace of life brought on by the 'Celtic Tiger". I think this is a great idea and one that can only benefit the community as many people attempt to share the skills and knowledge to those who otherwise would not be able to afford the skills which maybe lying idle by many people due to the recent economic downturn.'