The St Vincent de Paul Society reaches out to around 200,000 individuals and families throughout State every year. They visit the ill and the elderly; they provide holidays at 10 centres nationwide for those who would otherwise never get away; they help with drug rehabilitation programmes; they make prison visits; and they work with those who are homeless, in financial distress and marginalised.

The backbone of the organisation is its 9,000 strong team of volunteers, who come from all age groups and backgrounds. But there is a constant need for new people. The society recently ran a major 3 advertising campaign to attract new volunteers and the response was encouraging.

More than 700 people came forward and the society's Dublin organiser, Patricia Carey, says they were particularly pleased by the response from younger people. "We had a lot of interest from people under 30," she says. "The main reason seems to be a disillusionment with the Celtic Tiger and its emphasis on things material. People are feeling pretty hollow about the perceived gains when they can still see a huge level of need and poverty." The society doesn't expect its volunteers to have any special qualifications or experience. Training is provided in basic counselling and in areas such as domestic violence, minority rights, family law and social welfare issues.

The biggest asset any volunteer can have is "two ears, a big heart and the ability to listen", says the organisation's national secretary, Columba Faulkner. "Very often people's biggest need is to talk, but there is no one to listen, especially to the elderly.

"Providing them with a shower, a clean bed and a hot meal is one thing, but they also need months of support and encouragement." Volunteers usually commit one evening a week to the society, which has a strong Christian ethos.

However, Columba Faulkner stresses that the organisation welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds who share a commitment to helping others. The society is still looking for people, so if you're interested contact your local St Vincent de Paul conference or the organisation's Dublin headquarters at (01) 838 4164.