Community and culture shine through Leitrim Volunteer projects

Leitrim Community Volunteers, a group representing over 10 nationalities have been working to lead the way on integration and diversity in County Leitrim.

The group recently undertook painting projects at four community hospitals in Leitrim, aiming to bring some joy and colour to the lives of the residents.

The ‘Sunshine Garden Projects’ was based at Arus Carolan Nursing Home in Mohill. The group also painted at Ballinamore and Carrick-on-Shannon care facilities. The project involved a major clean up of the area followed by painting of murals and finally the installation of disability planters.

Disability planters are specially designed planters which make gardening more accessible for people with disabilities, including those with mobility issues, wheelchair users and the elderly.

“This was a unique volunteering opportunity,” said Kasia Religa.

“I was privileged to lead a fantastic team of Artists on these very worthwhile projects.  

“The priority of this community volunteer programme was to support the mental health and wellbeing of residents in the Hospitals while also providing outdoor and wellbeing resources for residents, staff, volunteers and the wider community of visitors and relatives,” she said.

Kasia, from Poland, joined the volunteer group in 2022 to offer art classes to Ukrainian refugees, helping them integrate into the community and cope with the trauma of leaving their homeland.

Kasia is one of many volunteers passionate about making positive change in Leitrim through community integration.

The volunteer group has embarked on other community projects, such as Africa Day 2024 in Ballinamore. On May 25, community volunteers from across Ireland came together to share food, music, and traditions from various African communities in Leitrim.

Africa Day 2024 in Ballinamore

In Carrick-on-Shannon, at least 30 volunteers from Ukraine worked alongside the Tidy Towns team to achieve the overall winner of Ireland’s Best Kept Town competition in 2023, and the Love Where You Live awards. The Ukraine support office has facilitated in helping the Ukrainian community get involved in Tidy Towns, creating new friendships and a sense of belonging.

“With increased division in our society, Leitrim Community Volunteers are a shining example of the difference people make when they come together to support their community,” said Josephine Stroker, Manager of Leitrim Volunteer Centre.

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“Whether they are from Leitrim or Liberia, the Community Volunteers all have one thing in common, they want to give back to help others. 

“The programme has allowed us to increase access to volunteering by offering roles with little time commitment and in many cases with little English required. 

“It’s also made a huge difference to the community and the volunteers themselves,” Ms Stroker added.

There are some upcoming events that the volunteers are working to prepare for, including Leitrim Pride and Carrick Camino on August 31, and Ukraine Day on August 24.

The Carrick-on-Shannon based group will also be hosting a Culture Night on Friday, September 20 in partnership with Comhlámh. A workshop will be held by Sive Bresnihan, on Global Citizenship Education. To get involved, contact Kieron Smith, Coordinator at kieron@volunteerleitrim.ie 

“This programme has been a game changer for our community,” explained Mr Smith.

“It provides an excellent way for people to get involved in their community and make a difference at a local level, especially those who may be new to County Leitrim.

“However, it also provides an invaluable resource to local organisations and the local authority. We put the Community into Community Volunteers.”

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From brightening up care facilities to celebrating diverse cultures, Leitrim Community Volunteers are showing the power of coming together to make a difference. With more projects on the horizon, the group is set to continue making a positive difference and encouraging people to become closer together.