The service was originally set up to provide visitation to those who may not be fortunate enough to have visitors from one end of the week to the next. Mayo Volunteer Centre regularly send volunteers to visit patients.

At the moment, the service is also raising funds to build a tranquility garden for the patients. Every other week, the volunteers hold a tea party on the grounds of the hospital. Music and set dancing is provided by local artists free of charge and Seanadra tells stories. The patients have a lovely day room provided by volunteers. Card games and watching the matches on TV in the day room are favourites among the patients.

Nicki always welcomes new volunteers as he sees the value of what they do and how much the visitation service means to the patients.

Nicki is a humble man who doesn’t like the limelight and only wants to thank all the volunteers who assist in this wonderful service. But without Nicki,his vision and coordination, there would be a lot more loneliness in Ballina and the surrounding area. Thank you, Nicki and all your wonderful volunteers, for your work and dedication to date.