Have you two hours a week free? Would you like to learn some new skills? Would you like to meet new people? Would you like to be involved in working in the community?
If the answer to these questions is yes, then why not come along to an information evening on Monday September 27 from 8-9pm in the Harp Suite, Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar.
Civil Defence is a volunteer-based organisation whose members are proud to serve as high quality back-up to the primary emergency services and the local community. Volunteers are multi-skilled and the main programmes of activity undertaken by the organisation are:
Casualty: Provision of a first aid and ambulance service
Rescue: Urban rescue, open country search for missing persons and water-based search and recovery
Auxiliary Fire Service: Pump and related skills drills, floodwater training, and supplying water to the community
Welfare: Provision of hot meals, drinks, and psychosocial support
Communications: Operation of two independent radio systems
Members also receive training in skills such as traffic management and stewarding. Many of these skills are widely used when dealing with major climatic events such as last winter’s floods in Athlone, the January big freeze throughout Westmeath, St Patrick Day’s Parades, and sports and entertainment events. Such events demonstrate the importance of having a vibrant, organised, and well-trained local membership in Civil Defence.
“Civil Defence is all about providing voluntary services and support to the emergency services and the community. The strength lies within its members who willingly give freely of their time and expertise,” said Joe Meagher, chairman, Civil Defence Board.
Civil Defence is also a fantastic opportunity to meet and get to know other people while doing something positive for the community.
“From a volunteer’s point of view, I personally enjoy meeting up with fellow members every week; after a while it becomes a social outlet. Yes the knowledge and skills acquired and learned are fantastic but the friendships and camaraderie involved is so much more,” says Linda McMahon, a member of Civil Defence in Mullingar.
You can play your part by joining Westmeath Civil Defence. Come along to the information evening on September 27 to find out more.
