Rolling out the StepIn service

A ROSCOMMON organisation is looking for people to help its work with vulnerable people who wish to live independently.

StepIn is a new organisation based in Roscommon town enabling vulnerable people to live in the heart of their communities. It does this by forming mutually supportive networks — a group of members assist each other in the daily challenges of living independently. They are supported by a volunteer and a StepIn staff member who coordinates the service.

Consequently, members live more fulfilling, independent and participative lives.

This is a new service in Ireland. It has been run for many years in the UK and has now been adopted by StepIn, which runs networks in Roscommon and Athlone.

Now StepIn, which is a not-for-profit organisation, intends to roll out the service to other areas. To coincide with the expansion of the service, StepIn wishes to broaden the expertise on its board of volunteers.

Chairperson Noelin Fox explained: “The drive, the energy and the expertise comes from our board of volunteers. In expanding the service we would like to expand the expertise on our board to help bring this opportunity of living independently to so many more people.

“We would like to invite people to put themselves forward as board members. Expertise in business, management and caring are great. But we value drive, enthusiasm and energy just as much. So we would appreciate applications from all sorts of backgrounds — don’t think it’s something I couldn’t do. We’re looking for people with big hearts and a little time.”

The StepIn board meets for two hours in Cherry House, Roscommon, every six weeks with occasional additional demands on time.

If you are interested, please email Chairperson Noelin at noelin@stepin.ie, expressing your interest and giving a little bit of information about yourself. Noelin will take your application further.

You can find out more about StepIn at www.stepin.ie or write to StepIn, Cherry House, Comans Park, Roscommon, if you would like a promotion pack giving more information about the service.

ON A ROLL: StepIn network member Rachel gets to work with the rolling pin. Likewise, StepIn is rolling out its service to more people and is seeking more expertise for its board of volunteers.

Contact information: Brian Feeney, brian@stepin.ie, 087 6693118; StepIn Supported Living Networks, Cherry House, Comans Park, Roscommon.