Down District Volunteer Centre

Can I volunteer?

If you've ever thought of doing something different with your life, then this is the page for you.  At Down District Volunteer Centre, we offer anyone over the age of 16 the opportunity to volunteer and try something new.  We also have some group projects for 14 - 16 year olds.

What sort of person do organisations need as volunteers?
All sorts! Across Down and beyond organisations, groups and communities need people to volunteer their time and abilities.  Whether you are employed or unemployed, disabled or able bodied, a student or a retired person, a parent or someone without dependents, so long as you have time to give there are charities and groups in Down who need your help now!

You can volunteer. You don't need qualifications or work experience. You might just want to get out of the house, or do something that is completely different from your day job.  Maybe you want to help people who are disadvantaged or do something to preserve heritage and the environment with an organisation like the National Trust.

What can the Volunteer Centre offer?
Down District Volunteer Centre offers a wide range of quality volunteering opportunities including working with:

• Children & young people
• Older people
• People with physical or learning disabilities
• Advice and information services
• Counselling agencies
• Women's projects
• Community projects
• Charity shops
• Environmental projects
• Befriending schemes
• Mentoring projects
• Youth Forum

 The Centre registers new opportunities all the time. If you have a particular volunteering opportunity in mind, tell us about it - we will do our best to explore the options available!

How much commitment will be required of me as a volunteer?
The most important commitment is your time. You can volunteer as little as one hour per week or it could be substantially more. You could opt to volunteer an occassional day by taking part in a group Action Day. Your time commitment depends on you. Some organisations, due to the nature of their work, will require a minimum time commitment, however this will be explained before any volunteer placement. Volunteers also need to empathise with the aims and values of their placement organisation and respect confidentiality.

Do I have the skills to volunteer?
Yes! Everyone has something to contribute to volunteering. For many volunteering roles you will already have appropriate skills. For example, you may be a good listener or an effective organiser.

For some volunteer roles, such as advising on welfare rights, specific training may be required. If you are unemployed, voluntary work should not affect your benefits provided you satisfy the available for full time work conditions.

What would I gain from volunteering?
Lots! You can make new friends, learn new skills, improve your physical and emotional well being and gain more confidence. Your volunteering experience can also help your future employment prospects by showing an employer your readiness to face new challenges, learn new skills and work as a team player. You will certainly be rewarded knowing your time, efforts and skills have helped other people.

What do I do next?
Have a look at some of the volunteer opportunities available or just contact us for a registration pack and more information.