Volunteer

Description

Volunteering at the hydrotherapy pool in St. Gabriel’s School is a rewarding opportunity to support children with disabilities in a safe and inclusive environment. Volunteers play a vital role during pool sessions by helping students feel comfortable, relaxed, and confident in the water, while working alongside trained teachers and care staff. 

Volunteers are always supported by experienced staff who lead all activities and provide clear guidance. The role may involve offering encouragement, assisting with gentle movements, supporting transitions in and out of the pool, or being a calm and reassuring presence for students.

The hydrotherapy pool is heated to a higher temperature than a standard pool, helping to relax muscles, reduce stiffness, improve mobility, and promote overall wellbeing. Time in the pool can also support sensory needs, emotional regulation, confidence, and enjoyment, giving students a positive and often joyful experience.

Volunteers are essential to making these sessions possible. With enough support, more sessions can run, allowing more students to benefit from hydrotherapy. Students may have a range of disabilities, including physical, intellectual, sensory, autism spectrum, and neurological conditions. No previous experience is required—just a positive attitude, patience, and a willingness to support students respectfully.

Is training provided?:Yes

Please note that Garda Vetting is required for this position which will be processed with you after you apply.

Tasks that the volunteer(s) will be expected to undertake:

Volunteers will support trained staff and teachers during hydrotherapy pool sessions at St. Gabriel’s School. Tasks may include:

Assisting staff with the safe transition of students to and from the pool area

Providing reassurance, encouragement, and positive interaction with students during sessions

Supporting students with gentle movements or activities in the water, as directed by staff

Helping to maintain a calm, safe, and enjoyable environment

Observing and responding to students’ needs with guidance from staff at all times

Volunteers will always work under the supervision of experienced staff and will never be expected to manage students independently.

Benefits of Volunteering:

Volunteering in the hydrotherapy pool is a highly rewarding experience that allows volunteers to make a meaningful impact on students’ wellbeing. Benefits include:

Contributing directly to students’ physical comfort, mobility, and relaxation

Supporting students’ confidence, emotional regulation, and enjoyment

Gaining valuable experience working with children with a range of disabilities

Developing skills such as communication, empathy, teamwork, and responsibility

Being part of an inclusive, supportive school community

Most importantly, volunteers help ensure that more hydrotherapy sessions can run, allowing more students to benefit from this essential therapeutic resource.

Details of time commitment needed for role:
Volunteers are asked to commit to a full swim block, which usually runs for 6–8 weeks, where possible. A consistent commitment helps build familiarity, trust, and positive relationships with the students, allowing sessions to run smoothly and effectively. Reliability and a positive, respectful approach are essential, with all sessions fully supported by trained staff and teachers from St. Gabriel’s School. Hydrotherapy sessions run in a 3-hour block from 9:00am to 12:00pm, providing volunteers with the opportunity to accumulate a significant number of volunteering hours in a shorter time frame. This structure is particularly beneficial for those working towards the required hours for a Gold Gaisce award, as it allows volunteers to build hours quickly while also spending meaningful time with students. The extended time block also gives volunteers the chance to become more confident in their role, develop stronger relationships with students, and gain a deeper understanding of the impact of hydrotherapy on student wellbeing. No previous experience is required, and volunteers will be guided and supported throughout the block by experienced staff.

Minimum time commitment per week:
3 hours p/week

Additional screening required for this role::
CV, References, Interview with Principal

Sustainable Development Goal:

Hei:
ATU - GALWAY, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK, UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK