Volunteering opportunities
Listed below are only some of our volunteering opportunities. Click here for more information about accessing these opportunities.
For any of these opportunities or to find out about others contact staff at the Volunteer Centre.
Down Vikings Basketball Club; looking for volunteers to help promote basketball as a major sport within Down District. Volunteers can become involved using sporting or other - marketing, transport, general aid - and join the team.
Cat and Rabbit volunteer; we are looking for someone who would like to support a young volunteer in their volunteer role at Assisi Animal Sanctuary. The volunteer would work alongside the young person looking after the cats and rabbits (doesn't like dogs) just keeping them motivated and someone to chat to. If you have a few hours to spare on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday and feel you could help please contact us at the Volunteer Centre. As the animal sanctuary is near Conlig just outside Newtownards it would be better if the volunteer came from around that area.
The Bocce Club, Downpatrick are looking for volunteers to help with their group. This is a busy group afiliated to Special Olympics offering people with disabilities the chance to take part in competitions and develop their skill in bowling, inside and outside, depending on the weather. Volunteering with the group means that there are more people to help out, you get the opportunity to go on trips when the group play matches and a great opportunity to have some fun and make new friends.
Helping people recovering from Mental Ill Health; Beacon House, a project within NI Association for Mental Health is looking for a volunteer or two volunteers to help with the Tuesday Night Beacon House Club in Downpatrick to assist with the organisation of activities eg Art, Music and Craft, every Tuesday between 7pm and 9pm.
RSPB - Red Kite Project Internship, this volunteer is needed to support key work in all aspects of this project. Kite monitoring, Data logging, Education, Assisting the preparation of educational packs and giving Community talks.
Farmland Bird Surveyor 2010 - a project which will take place between April and June taking about 3 to 4 hours per month. This project is working with the Government, the European Union and the farming commmunity to halt the decline in the numbers of farmland birds.
Alzheimer's Society; are looking Information Support volunteers to help raise awareness of demntia and the Alzheimer's Society in their local area.
The Guide Dogs - Have a number of exciting volunteering opportunities.
Sighted Guide Volunteer - to help blind and paritally sighted people feel less isolated and beomce more involved in their local communities. You can encourage and support someone in a wide range of every day activities from going for coffee to a trip to the leisure centre or the shops.
Branch member - a great way to help with fundraising activities for Guide Dogs as part of a group. There is a small local group in Downpatrick, but extra members always help.
Collection box co-ordinator - helping to organise the dropping off and collection of boxes, all helping towards fundraising for guide dogs.
Volunteer speakers - schools and groups are always interested in the work of the Guide Dogs, volunteer speakers are the face of Guide Dogs, promoting their work, informing and encouraging fundraising.
Sighted guide - opportunity to help people with visual impairment who need a helping hand to find their way around shopping centres etc. Accredited training is given and satisfaction comes with the role.
Befriending Opportunities; Bryson House are running a befriending project in Down District, this is a great opportunity to meet new people and help others.
Downe Residential Project, Downpatrick are looking for volunteers to help with a fundraising project; the money raised will go towards a developement project providing a range of high quality care and support services to people who have a severe learning disability and who live in the South Down area. If you like getting out and about and talking to people there are bag packs and flag days, or if you're a very persuasive person there are opportunities for gathering sponsorships and prizes, or help is needed producing posters and other advertising materials.
Headway, Belfast have some new opportunities;
STAR Project Volunteer; this will involve working in small, informal social groups with survivors of brain injury, supporting them to relearn the social skills needed to make new friends and regain their social lives. The project work takes place in Belfast, Lisburn and Newtownards,volunteers need to attend groups on a weekly basis.
Family Support Volunteer; which will involve working with individuals, families and carers affected by brain injury to provide practical and emotional support, undertanding and a listening ear. Assisting at monthly support groups and quarterly information sessions.
Administration Officer - effective admin support is essential to successful project delivery and as such administration volunteers hold a key role in the organisation. The tasks involved are varied and will complement the work of paid staff in the operation of office systems. Volunteering willtake place in the Headway offices in Belfast.
Counselling Service Volunteer; to provide one-to-one person-centred counselling for individual family members and or carers affected by brain injury. Volunteers will need to have counselling qualifications - to have at least secured a place on an Advanced Diploma in Counselling course.
Motor Neurone Disease Association are looking for volunteers to act as Association Visitors - who have a vital part to play in the support of people affected by Motor Neurone Disease.
Marie Curie Cancer Care
Support Group Member, Fundraising. There are a number of groups who raise valuable funds for our charity. They welcome new members to help with fundraising events throughout the year. There are groups in various parts of N.I.
Shop volunteers also help to raise valuable funds for Marie Curie nurses, both in the hospice and across NI, if you have a few hours a week to spare it's a chance to help build up funds, meet people and learn new skills.
Also to help fundraising there are volunteer roles to place and collect money boxes, or
Also volunteers needed to help at fundraising events
Marshalling Volunteers
Registration Volunteers
Volunteer Photographer
Event Set up VolunteerVolunteer needed to help with gardening and maintenance at the Hospice in Belfast.
Also
Telephone Researcher
Volunteer Mystery Shopper
Volunteer Complementary Therapist
Volunteer Beauty Therapist
Office and Administration volunteer, based in Belfast
Assisi Animal Sanctuary - offer animals who have been abandoned or cannot be looked after by their owners a second chance of a loving home, no health animal is put down. A local fundraising, support group has just been started in Downpatrick and help would be welcome at any of their events.
RNID Volunteering opporutnities:
Information Outreach volunteer; Are you interested in making a difference to the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people living in Northern Ireland? Join the information team at RNID and help to raise awreness and provide vital information on deafness and hearing loss in your local community.
Hearing Aid Volunteer; Do you wear a hearing aid? Could you help other hearing aid users adapt to using a hearing aid and to overcome initial problems they may encounter? Put those skills to use and join our volunteer team!
St Patrick's Centre, Downpatrick has two new volunteering opportunities;
Volunteer Gardener to help to maintain the garden around the Centre.
Walk Guide showing visitors around Downpatrick.
Downe Hospital volunteering opportunity - meeters and greaters work in shifts as part of a team, to meet and great visitors and patients and direct them around the hospital. Volunteers will be working as part of a team and work to a rota
REACH offer people with management experience to help others. REACH is a UK wide charity that recruits managers and professionals with time to give and places them as part time, expenses only volunteers with voluntary organisations needing their career expertise.
VIP club, Downpatrick; is a club organised by people with visual impairments, they are looking for volunteers to help when they go to the library, out for a coffee or for a trip.
Computer Training; Interested in computers, email and the internet, feel that you could help others get the hang of these? Newcastle and District Age Concern have a Silver Surfers club specially set up for older people to access IT skills and are looking for volunteers with an hour or two in the morning to pass on their skills and have a bit of fun as well.
Make-A-Wish-Foundation – is looking for volunteers as fundraisers. The idea is to grant wishes of children and young people aged 13-17 fighting life threatening illnesses. The wishes can be anything the young people we work with imagine. Maybe it could be somewhere magical to visit, something exciting to do, someone special to meet or something amazing to own. After training volunteers will be assigned to a team in their local area.
Baywatch hits Ballyhornan - do you enjoy swimming, are you interested in learning about life guard first aid and getting experience of swimming and life guard skills in the sea this opporutnity might be for you - you can use it for Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Northern Walking Partnership - looking for volunteers to help as walk leaders or assistant leaders as well as people who like to talk and walk to help with information and promotional events. Northern Walking Partnership are hoping to increase the number of walks that they have in Down District and to have a variety of walks - not all long to encourage everyone to have a go at a healthy way to have fun, meet people and see the countryside.
Tools for Solidarity - this group, based in Belfast and Downpatrick refurbishes old tools and sewing machines, which are then sent out as packs to help groups in Tanzania to help the local economy. Tools welcome volunteers to their Downpatrick workshop to help with this, it's fun for all ages and both male and females - it's amazing what you can do with a bit of help! They are also looking for volunteers to help with fundraising activities - like organising car boot sales.
Court Witness Service - Witness Service Volunteers; volunteers are trained and required to support witnessesand injured parties(& family) during court appearance in crown and magistrates courts in local area.
NSPCC;are looking for volunteers to take part in their Young Witness Service offering support to young witness at court; to help and support them through information and liaising with other agencies. Volunteers need to be over 18 and have time available during the school day, training is provided.
Action MS aims to improve the quality of life for people living with multiple sclerosis and their families in Northern Ireland; they are now recruiting new Volunteer Befrienders, thier role is to alleviate loneliness and social isolation among people living with MS in Northern Ireland.
Friends of the Earth; Electronic Media Monitoring Volunteer(s)
Do you enjoy reading the papers and searching on-line? If the answer is yes, then this volunteering position could be ideal for you.
We need someone who enjoys scanning over the daily papers electronically and in paper format. You will need a keen eye for spotting matters of environmental interest including mentions of Friends of the Earth (training will be given). The articles identified will be clipped, dated, clearly presented and filed in a user friendly fashion; this will be done electronically and by a paper based system. This filing of the electronic clippings will need to be done daily. This role will take place in Belfast during office hours for about five hours per week.
Include Youth; are starting a recruitment drive for volunteer mentors for young people at risk, on their Give and Take Scheme. Mentors must be over 21 years of age and ready to work alongisde young people to help them to achieve their goals and fulfill their potential. If you have some time to give and can commit to helping a young person in this way why not contact staff at the Volunteer Centre and find out more.
Killyleagh and Shrigley Friendship Group - offer older people in the Killyleagh and Shrigley area an opportunity to get together, have a cup of tea and a chat one afternoon a week. This is a great facility for older, isolated people to get out and meet with others. Volunteers are welcome to help with organising the tea, baking, serving tea and buns and just having a chat.
Cruse Bereavement Care; Offer a counselling service for people who have suffered bereavement, they are presently looking for young people to run small support groups for those who have suffered bereavement. If you are between 16 and 24 and have suffered bereavement and would like to help contact the volunteer centre.
Cats Protection NI; Home visiting volunteer, welfare volunteer and fundraising volunteer.
Caring Canines: Do you have a dog who wants to volunteer? Caring Canines are looking for Pet Therapy Volunteers; these are volunteers who, with dogs carry out visits to the elderly in day centres, residential homes, nursing homes hospitals, elderly and mentally infirm (EMI homes), folds, psychiatric units, children with special needs, there are opportunities to volunteer with this group in Down District - you have to be over 18 - so why not ring/email Down District Volunteer Centre and find out how you and your faithful companion could light up someone's life.
National Trust - have a variety of volunteer opportunities from helping in the gardens and with conservation on the estates, to helping with administration or being a steward in a property as well as educational guides and fundraisers, why not help out and see some of the beautiful sites in Down District and Northern Ireland - in Down we have Rowallane House in Saintfield, Castle Ward Estate in Strangford and Murlough in Dundrum.
Would you like to help with young children aged 0 - 4 years at a parent and toddler group? Ye? Then why not volunteer with Strangford Parent and Toddler Group who need volunteers to help with the smooth running of their busy group, one or two mornings a week.
Interested in getting some admin and reception experience? Free on Fridays? Then contact us to find out more about an opportunity in Downpatrick.
Like trains, but prefer computers and filing cabinets? Then perhaps you'd be the one to help get the office in order for the Downpatrick and Co. Down Railway Museum. Find out more by contacting us at the Volunteer Centre.
St Mary's Youth Club: in Auglisnafin have opportunities for people who would like to get experience working with groups of young people in the youth club. If you have enthusiasm and a few hours to spend one evening per week this could be for you.
Homestart Newcastle: are looking for volunteers to visit famillies under pressure to offer practical support and advice. They offer friendship and listen with understanding to their families. They play with the children, help in the home or accompany their family on outtings or appointments. If you have a few hours to spare each week and have parenting experience you would be very welcome; training and support is provided.
Teconnaught Youth Club: welcome volunteers to help with this newly started club, helping with sports and craft activities, you just need to have a bit of time and enthusiasm.
Down District Volunteer Centre: MV and No Limits Projects require mentors/buddies for volunteers who need a little support with their volunteering; you could go along with a volunteer to help them volunteer, volunteer alongside, chat, encourage them help them to develop the skills needed and have fun. This might be a short or longer term role depending on the needs of the individual volunteer and the role. You will receive training and support.
NI Hospice Care Shop: in Ballynahinch is looking for volunteers to add to its team to help in the shop, all the funds raised go to help run the hospice and community nurses. They have a friendly team and make everyone feel welcome, if you have a couple of hours to spare each week (preferably in the afternoons) they would be glad of your help. It’s a good chance to meet new people, have a bit of fun and to help others. Make new friends! Have some fun! Join our HospiceSHOP Volunteer team in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere while raising essential funds for Hospice Care in the local community.
Simon Shop Ballynahinch: are looking for volunteers to help out in the shop from sorting to selling. This is a small, friendly shop where you can meet new people, learn new skills and help to raise funds for the Simon Community.
The Order of Malta Downpatrick: is a volunteer ambulance service offering first aid training to its volunteers and support to groups at sporting and other events. The group meet once a week for training and then help at events when necessary.
RSPB: have a variety of volunteering opportunities across N. Ireland, some based in resserves, some homebased offering the chance to get involved in promoting, protecting and preserving the bird life in Ireland. Volunteering may vary from fundraising to helping visitors at reserves and with practical tasks, they may be short or long term.
Special Olypmics Ulster: have opportunities to volunteer in some sports clubs in Down District offering support to people with disabilities:
*The Bocce Club Downpatrick: will offer athletes the opportunity to participate in high quality coaching and competition in the sport of Bocce (a sport similar to bowling which is played indoors). Club Volunteers will assist the athletes to participate in the activities and help them to develop skills and prepare them for participating in events. Volunteers will have the chance to support the coach and also to attend various competitions and events with the club. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to help with the running of the club and take on a committee position if applicable. Ongoing training and support will be provided to all volunteers. Volunteering with Special Olympics is a very rewarding experience and it will make a real difference to the life of someone with a learning disability. It gives volunteers the opportunity to develop new skills and experiences and it is great fun!
*Downpatrick Bravehearts Special Olympics Club: is a football club that offers individuals with a learning disability the opportunity to receive high quality sports training and competition. Club Volunteers will assist the athletes to participate in the activities and help them to develop skills and prepare them for participating in events. Volunteers will have the chance to support the coach and also to attend various competitions and events with the club. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to help with the running of the club and take on a committee position if applicable. Ongoing training and support will be provided to all volunteers. Volunteering with Special Olympics is a very rewarding experience and it will make a real difference to the life of someone with a learning disability. It gives volunteers the opportunity to develop new skills and experiences and it is great fun!
*Shimna Stars Special Olympics Club: is a basketball club that offers individuals with a learning disability the opportunity to receive high quality sports training and competition. Club Volunteers will assist the athletes to participate in the activities and help them to develop skills and prepare them for participating in events. Volunteers will have the chance to support the coach and also to attend various competitions and events with the club. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to help with the running of the club and take on a committee position if applicable. Ongoing training and support will be provided to all volunteers. Volunteering with Special Olympics is a very rewarding experience and it will make a real difference to the life of someone with a learning disability. It gives volunteers the opportunity to develop new skills and experiences and it is great fun!
Leukaemia Care: is a national charity committed to providing care and support to everybody who's life has been affected by blood cancers - simply supporting a quality of life for all. Leukaemia Care offers emotional and fiancial support to patients, carers and family members who have been affected by Leukaemia, Lymphoma and allied blood disorders. Leukaemia Care works with patients who are terminally ill, carers, families.
*Awareness Volunteer: To raise awareness of Leukaemia CARE in local area by delivering our publications, posters etc to GP Surgeries, Libraries, Sports Centre's etc.
*CARE Volunteers: provide emotional support to those affected by Leukaemia, Lymphoma and the allied blood disorders, particularly to those who have contacted our 24hr CARE Line. You will be a listening ear, someone they can open up to in times of need who will help empower them to get through difficult times. Sometimes that support will be provided by telephone; sometimes it may be on a face to face basis in the caller's home or at the hospital. CARE Volunteers also work to raise awareness of Leukaemia CARE and provide information to patients, carers and medical professionals with regard to the services offered by the charity.
*Fundraising Volunteer: Are you someone who always goes that extra mile? Whatever level of responsibility you are looking for, whether it's to fundraise locally, organise events, take on adrenalin - filled challenges or co - ordinate regional fundraising you can get involved with Leukaemia CARE in activities that suit you. It could be baking cakes, organising big events or project managing. We call them Local Fundraisers, Event Fundraisers, Fundraising Co - ordinators and Challenge Fundraisers, but the jobs aren't set in stone; the opportunity is for you to take your role and turn it into something special. You might enjoy meeting people, organising events, thrill and spills, finding the best in people, listening or making things. Whatever your talent is Leukaemia CARE can find a place for you.
Interested in any of the above? Contact staff at the Down District Volunteer Centre on 028 4461 9122 or email info@downdistrictvc.org
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