Volunteer

Description

Hello,

We are looking for buddies for our older learners on campus. In Autumn 2025, we started a new programme - the age friendly university (AFU) programme, which accepts older learners (retired and/or over 65) into selected modules. We are looking for younger students who would enjoy being mentors for these older learners throughout the Autumn 2026 semester. Being a buddy will mean helping the older learners to find their way around campus or when they need assistance with IT, answering any questions they might have about campus life, studying, services on campus etc. - in other words showing them the ropes. 

Please see below the list of tasks you might engage in.

Please note that, while you can apply already, applications will be responded to from August onwards, please don't worry if you don't get a response or acceptance straight away.

Is training provided?:Yes

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

An information meeting for older learners will be held in Week 0 of the Autumn Semester (week of 31st August, date to be confirmed. All buddies are encouraged to attend and meet the new learners there. The age-friendly team as well as the access and ITD units will also meet the buddies for a training session before the orientation meeting.

After the orientation, you will be assigned one or more older students to mentor and help during the semester.You might meet them for coffee once in a while and be there if they have any questions. 

Tasks: Being a buddy will mean:

- receiving traning in basic digital skills;

- attending an orientation meeting in Week 0 and find your match there;

- helping one or more older learners to find their way around campus;

- helping them when they need assistance with IT, such as email, Brightspace, engaging with module resources, writing and submitting assignments;

- answering any questions they might have about campus life, studying, services on campus etc. - in other words showing them the ropes. 

- being company for older learners and help them feel less isolated on campus. The number of meetings is up to you and your partner(s).

Benefits of Volunteering:

You will make a real difference to these older learners, helping them to integrate and get the most out of their time on campus. You will also build lovely intergenerational relationships with them.

Details of time commitment needed for role:
You will be the first contact of one or two older learners. The time commitment is difficult to estimate, but probably about 1-2 hours every two weeks.

Minimum time commitment per week:
1 hour p/week

Additional screening required for this role::
An open heart and kind attitude is the main requirement :) It is essential that you are based (and ideally accommodated) in Limerick/on campus for the duration of the semester. From experience, this opportunity is difficult for students who have to commute long distances or are not on campus every day of the week. Please note that applications will be responded to from August onwards, please don't worry if you don't get a response or acceptance straight away.

Sustainable Development Goal:

Hei:
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK