Plasma-Med Newsroom - Community Support

Sometimes helping simply means being there for another person.

I am often asked: “Why did you join Dublin Homeless Awareness?”, “Aren’t you afraid?”, “Isn’t it dangerous?” or even “Why do you do this for free?”

For me, the answer is simple:

Because every person deserves help.

Every person we meet during our outreach patrols has their own story. We may never know what happened in their life or what circumstances brought them to where they are today.

That is why I believe it is important not to judge, but to see the person and recognise when they need help.

What do we do during our patrols?

As volunteers with Dublin Homeless Awareness, we check whether people experiencing homelessness or difficult circumstances need support. Sometimes they need medical attention. Sometimes they need help finding somewhere safe to spend the night. And sometimes they simply need someone to stop for a moment and listen.

But our support is not limited to people experiencing homelessness.

During our patrols, if we meet anyone who needs assistance, we do our best to respond appropriately. Small wounds, blisters, minor injuries or other issues that can be safely treated on the spot may seem insignificant, but for someone who is already struggling, even this kind of support can make a difference.

This is where my knowledge and experience can be useful.

This is not “dirty work”

Volunteering takes some of my free time. I know that not everyone understands why I choose to spend my time this way or why I am willing to put myself in situations that can sometimes be challenging.

But to me, this is not “dirty work”.

It is a person who, at that particular moment, needs another person.

I do not do it for money, recognition or applause.

Helping people is an important part of who I am. If I have the knowledge, experience and opportunity to help someone, I want to use them.

Because help does not always look the same.

Sometimes it means treating a wound.
Sometimes it means helping someone find a safe place to spend the night.
Sometimes it means having a conversation.

And sometimes it simply means stopping and asking:

“Are you okay?”

Why do I do it?

That is why I am part of Dublin Homeless Awareness.

I believe we should not judge a person simply by where they sleep today or by the circumstances they are currently facing. We do not know the journey that brought them there.

Every person has a story. Every person deserves dignity and respect.

And sometimes a small gesture, a little time or simply showing that someone cares can mean far more than we realise.

Helping starts with noticing another human being.