Case Studies
Here are three case studies highlighting how the Millennium Volunteers programme has helped people in Fermanagh.
Thomas Kierns
Thomas Kierns, a young person who is registered blind, had been struggling to find an organisation to allow him to volunteer. He signed up to CVNI’s Millennium Volunteers programme, very shy and lacking in confidence. He joined the Fermanagh and Tyrone Conservation Action Team and through a process of close support grew in confidence to such an extent that he now assists when the team is working with disabled groups.
After completing his 200 hours, Thomas has continued to volunteer and has become a very valued member of the team. To honour his commitment Thomas was entered into the UK wide Whitbread Volunteer of the Year awards where he was a runner up.
Gareth McKenna
With a keen interest in sport and wildlife, Gareth McKenna used Millenium Volunteers as a way of combating severe depression and suicidal tendencies.
He enrolled onto a health project as a ‘Green Gym’ Millennium Volunteer. A scheduled programme of practical conservation, healthy eating and exercise helped him to overcome his problems and give up smoking.
With his improved health and fitness, increased confidence and a sense of purpose he went on to win a host of sporting trophies and gain part time employment working with animals.
Ryan Montague
Ryan Montigue, who has a learning disability, has spent his life in the residential care.
He is using the Millennium Volunteers programme as an invaluable way of increasing his confidence and gaining his independence as he prepares to leave the care system.
Initially he attended with his care worker. As his confidence has grown he is now starting to make his own travel arrangements, deciding on when he attends and going on training and personal development courses.
For most people these would only be minor improvements but to him they are significant steps on his journey to taking greater control of his own life.