Galway Simon Community has been in existence and have been providing services to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless since 1979. Volunteers have long been a key pillar of Galway Simon Community and the organisation has a strong tradition of volunteerism. The EVS volunteers who are hosted by Galway Simon Community are placed in one of our five residential houses which consists of two Men's High Support Houses, a Women's High Support Home, a Resettlement Home and a home that provides a Continuing Care Service. Each of these houses are staffed 24 hours a day and seven days a week. All of the residential houses are within walking distance of the city centre. Galway Simon Community has a programmes which welcomes volunteers from all over the world, 2 of which are EVS volunteers. These volunteers stay with the organisation for a duration of 6 to 12 months. During their time with us, volunteers are involved in a variety of different activities. These activities include assisting residents with life skills, accompanying residents on appointments, assisting with house work, maintaining administration records, assisting with cooking, arranging leisure activities for residents, working as part of a team and supporting residents with social and educational activities. The main element of the volunteer role is to develop a positive working relationship with clients. Volunteers are continuously supported in their role with regular supervision, mentoring and training. During their time with the Organisation the EVS volunteers will be exposed to opportunities to further themselves both personally and professionally, while being supported by the organisation. Galway Simon Community offer volunteers a positive and inclusive learning experience in a safe and supported environment. Volunteers are encouraged and given the opportunity to utilise their existing skills and also develop new skills by experiences and through the Certificate in Volunteering which is accredited by the Dublin Institute of Technology. Galway Simon Community Volunteers are held in high regard and the organisation is committed to ensuring the volunteers are valued, respected and supported by all in the organisation.