Down District Volunteer Centre

Information for organisations

How do we work with organisations?

Down District Volunteer Centre provides support, advice and training on volunteering issues to charities, community and voluntary groups within Down District as well as recruiting, placing and supporting volunteers within the District.

The Centre has over 250 registered groups, with whom the Centre places volunteers.  We also provide support through advice on developing policies, giving advice and support to organisations involving volunteers with additional support need and providing training through volunteer managment training and the volunteer manager's forum.

The volunteer manager's forum meets three times a year, offering training or information sessions which organisations have suggested.  In the past these sessions have covered areas such as Autism Awareness, the new Disability Discrimination Act, Mental Health, dealing with difficult volunteer situations and on involving supported volunteers. If you have a suggestion for a training/information session please let us know by phoning 028 44619122 or email info@downdistrictvc.org

DDVC works with local not-for-profit organisations or community groups.  If your organisation fits this description, and if would like to register your organisation FREE OF CHARGE, contact us and we'll send you out a registration pack info@downdistrictvc.org

Rural Transport Fund Voucher Scheme supporting travel costs for rural community groups and organisations
The Department for Regional Development wishes to announce the Rural Transport Fund Voucher Scheme in your area. This scheme is aimed at rural community groups and organisations wishing to transport 17 or more passengers. The scheme will provide a voucher towards the cost of transport for successful applicants.
The Voucher Scheme was initially piloted by Newry & Mourne Community Transport and the Department for Regional Development has decided to roll it out across Northern Ireland for the benefit of larger groups in rural areas. Supported by the Rural Transport Fund the scheme will work in partnership with private transport operators who will deliver transport for the scheme. 
The scheme is being rolled out in a phased approach during 2009-10. This round of the scheme incorporates the rural areas in and around the Ards Peninsula, Downpatrick, Newcastle, Newry & Mourne, Lurgan, Banbridge, Lisburn, Strabane, Foyle, Omagh, Fermanagh, Dungannon, Armagh, Cookstown and Magherafelt. Application packs are now available for those non-profit making community groups in these areas who are planning on travelling during October, November and December 2009 and the closing date to return the completed applications is 28 August 2009.
There is a limit to the number of vouchers available in each area. To ensure those community organisations that help or support the most vulnerable in society there is a selection process.
To receive an application pack please contact 028 905 40620 or e-mail melanie.parker@drdni.gov.uk.   

Volunteer Manager's Forum
The Forum is traditionally a platform for information sharing and a great opportunity to network with other voluntary organisations and community groups.  For information on upcoming events or past events click here.

Volunteer Manager's Training
A variety of training is offered over the year, some specifically for the manager's of volunteers; for further information contact staff at the Volunteer Centre or click here.