Make volunteering your New Year’s resolution – O’Malley Dunlop

Fine Gael general election candidate for Dublin South West, Ellen O’Malley Dunlop, has encouraged people to make volunteering part of their New Year’s resolutions this year and has recommended the IVOL App as a way of connecting volunteers with local needs in their communities.

Ms O’Malley Dunlop said: “New Year’s resolutions can be about more than just getting fit or watching the calorie intake. This is a great time of year to make the move towards volunteering as a way to contribute to your community and give a helping hand to those who need it most.

“Anyone looking to volunteer should check out the IVOL App which was launched by the Government this year and is available on Android and Apple. It is a really handy way for people looking to volunteer to find out where they are needed, where their particular skills can be most beneficial and to submit what days they might be free. 

“The IVOL app is a great way to get involved with your local community and give something back.

“The Government also recently launched a launched a public consultation process for the draft National Volunteering Strategy 2020-2025. This consultation is designed to recognise, support and promote the unique value and contribution of volunteers to Irish society and will serve as a road map for the future promotion and development of volunteering in our communities. It will be open until the 31st January and I encourage any interested stakeholders to have their say. You can access the consultation at : https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/fc55b9-public-consultation-on-draft-national-volunteering-strategy-2020-202/

O’Malley Dunlop continued: “The break between Christmas and back to school is also a great time to visit our elderly relatives. Many of our elderly friends and neighbours live alone and would really appreciate a visit.  Many older people may feel a sense of isolation and vulnerability, more so at this festive time of year. I encourage young people in particular, to drop in for a chat and let your elderly neighbours know you are looking out for them and can assist them if they need it.

“Since Fine Gael came into Government we have worked to prioritise elderly people and their needs. 

“In Budget 2020 we sought to protect elderly people by maintaining the state pension, despite the uncertainty of Brexit. We also ensured the continued payment of the Christmas bonus in December. We gave a €5 increase in the Living Alone Allowance and an increase in the fuel allowance of €2. 

“The Budget also reduced prescription charges for over 70s to €1 from July, increased the income limits for medical cards for over 70s by €50 (€150 for a couple) and reduced the Drug Payment Scheme threshold by €10 to €114 p.m. This is all good news for elderly people who may spend more on healthcare than others. 

“The Budget also provided for 1 million additional home care hours; 1,000 therapists, nurses and other professionals.

“We will continue working to protect those in society who need it most”, O’Malley Dunlop concluded.