VOLUNTEERING

Interested in volunteering with the Cork Deaf Association? These are some of the ways in which you can become involved. Call us today on (021) 450 5944 or email us at mail@corkdeaf.ie

SOCIAL GROUPS

Deaf Elderly Group
The Deaf Elderly Group was founded in 2002 in order to combat social isolation for elderly men and women in Cork and Kerry. The group gets together every fortnight at the Cork Deaf Association and sometimes organises outings and overnight trips.

Commitment Required: Occasional attendance for fortnightly Tuesday meetings; day outings; overnight trips; evening classes or talks.

Hard of Hearing Support Group
The Hard of Hearing Support Group aims to provide a range of supports for people with acquired hearing loss (hearing loss which happens to a person who was born hearing), including social activities, workshops and talks. The Hard of Hearing Support Group aims to combat the loss of self confidence and feelings of exclusion that often accompany acquired hearing loss. The activities offered by the Hard of Hearing Support Group include fortnightly coffee mornings and occasional outings.

Commitment Required: Occasional attendance for fortnightly Wednesday coffee mornings; day trips; evening classes or talks.

Cool Youth Club
The Cool Youth Club aims to provide an environment where Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth, their siblings and children of Deaf and Hard of Hearing adults develop social skills and self confidence, while participating in fully accessible activities with the support of a Sign Language Interpreter. The Club is aimed at the 10-16 year old age group. There are approximately 12 in the Club.

Commitment Required: One Saturday a month for youth club meetings; occasional day trips; annual overnight trip; occasional Ogra Chorcai Council Meetings.

Smiley Summer Camp
The Smiley Summer Camp takes place over one week in July every year. It involves a range of activities and outings for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and children with Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in their families.

Commitment Required: Meetings in the run up to the Summer Camp; attendance at some of the activities which take place over the Summer Camp week.

FUNDRAISING

Fundraising Committee
As a charity, part-funded by the HSE, the Cork Deaf Association relies heavily on fundraising to continue and develop services. Continuing funding cuts make our fundraising efforts more important than ever. Our fundraising committee aims to organise fundraising activities which generate much needed income while achieving maximum publicity for the Association and Deaf issues in general. We are always looking for innovative ways to achieve these goals. Previous fundraising activities include a Deaf Disco, Quiz Show night and Fashion Show. See also How to Support CDA

Commitment Required: Monthly meetings on a weekday to be confirmed (more regular meetings may be required in the run up to an event); attendance at fundraising events organised by the Committee.

Church Gate Collections
We hold Church Gate collections throughout the year in Cork city and county. These collections are an essential aspect of our fundraising efforts and we rely on them for a significant portion of our funding.

Commitment Required: You will be provided with a list of masses in your area and you may choose which ones you would like to do. Your help at even one mass would be much appreciated. Collectors arrive at the Church a half an hour before the mass begins and leave the Church about five minutes after the mass begins. Each mass collection should take a maximum of 35 mins.

ADMINISTRATION

Administrative volunteering includes assisting in all aspects of Association administration including reception duties, helping with mail outs, typing.

Commitment Required: This volunteering option can be tailored to suit your own availability.

BOARD MEMBERSHIP

Having been established by a voluntary group in 1966, the CDA has a very proud history of dedicated and engaged members on it’s Board of Management.

A varied and interesting role within the organisation, being a Board member can be a very rewarding experience. Usually elected for a 2 year term, the role offers the opportunity to share your skills and experience while getting a practical insight into the strategy & policy  involved in leading a modern charity in the community.

Commitment Required: 8-9 Board meeting per year approx, attendance at the AGM, reading policies and documents to inform decision-making.

Contact us to chat about if the CDA would be the right fit for you.

Please note, Garda Vetting may apply to some of the above volunteering posts.*