News

A group of third year psychology students recently volunteered with Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) in an effort to enrich their academic knowledge with real-world experience by diving headfirst into the daily operations of a community-focused charity shop. Jessica Murphy, Emma Neary, Cora Shannon, Fergus Foley, Sadhbh Ní Bhéarra, and Rebecca Walker, all students in Dr. Mike Hogan’s Community Psychology and Social Justice class, stepped out of the classroom and into the heart of one of SVP’s shops to experience first-hand their everyday functions and the challenges they face. 

Over the course of three weeks in October, the students spent time in SVP’s Westside shop, where they carried out tasks such as sorting donations, stacking shelves, pricing items, and learning the essential daily duties of the volunteers who work there. With the invaluable guidance of the store's manager, Aggie, and the support of the other hardworking volunteers, the students gained a deeper understanding of the inner workings of the shop. 

The opportunity highlighted the vital work that SVP does for both the local and wider community by raising funds through shop revenue to support those in need, providing assistance to individuals who may be facing financial challenges, promoting the importance of compassion and community action, and also through creating a friendly and welcoming environment for all who engage with the shop.  

The experience not only enriched the students’ academic understanding of community psychology but also provided them with a firsthand appreciation for the dedication and effort involved in running a charity shop. Stepping into the roles of volunteers allowed them to gain unique insights into how even small, everyday actions can contribute hugely to achieving significant social impact. They hope through raising awareness for the importance of SVP, they will inspire others to get involved and engage with services such as these to ensure they can thrive and continue making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.