Sir, - The year 2001 has been designated the "Year of the Volunteer". It is significant also that it marks 20 years of Life's caring service in Ireland.
The free and confidential service provided by Life is based on the ethos of volunteering and during the past 20 years many generous volunteers have maintained and developed the service. In particular volunteers have demonstrated a high level of commitment in providing a helpline service every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Like many voluntary organisations, however, Life is finding it increasingly difficult to recruit new volunteers. The economic boom has deprived us of the services of many trained volunteers and has made it difficult to recruit enough new ones to maintain the level of service required. We have has recently placed a number of expensive advertisements in the local and national press inviting caring, committed people to participate in a training course commencing at the end of September. The response has been less than anticipated.
Life appreciates that there are many demands on people's time and generosity of individuals and that many people who previously had time for voluntary activity have returned to the workforce.
A crisis pregnancy can be a time of fear and isolation for many women. Life offers every woman facing the dilemma of a crisis pregnancy a listening ear and an opportunity to discuss her options.
We invite caring individuals who are good listeners to respond to our appeal for new volunteers. The work is challenging, but full training and support will be given. An information evening will be held at the Life Centre, Dame Street on Wednesday, September 5th, 2001. Information about the training course may also be obtained by telephoning 01-677 5282 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. - Yours, etc.,
Anne Kennedy, National Administrator, Life Ireland, Dame Street, Dublin 2.