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VOLUNTEERING INFORMATION

What opportunities are available?

(Check out our "Vacancies" section) We are currently developing a register of local opportunities in the voluntary, statutory and community sectors. We will match your skills and interests to a suitable opportunity.

You can also move around and take part in a number of short or longer-term placements. Research has shown that more than 500,000 people are currently involved in volunteering throughout N. Ireland. We are developing new opportunities all the time. If you have a particular volunteering opportunity in mind, tell us about it and we will do our best to explore the options available!

Why Volunteer? What could I gain from volunteering?
This depends on you. You may make new friends, learn new skills and gain more confidence. You should certainly be rewarded knowing your time, efforts and skills have helped other people.

There are many reasons for volunteering .
People volunteer because of personal experience, having more time on their hands, to meet new friends and also to gain valuable experience. People recovering from long term illnesses have seen volunteering as a means towards rehabilitation. It does work. Volunteering enables people to make new friends, to gain new skills and to increase their confidence and ability.

The experience of volunteering in a community can often give volunteers an insight into how local community groups operate and survive. Most survive because of the commitment of their volunteers.

It can be the first step towards entering or re-entering the job market .
The Bureau has registered several people interested in pursuing a career in Social Work. They recognise the many opportunities for gaining real experience.

Further Afield - A number of people have taken up volunteer opportunities overseas . Volunteering at home is seen as the first step on the road to pastures new. There are opportunities to volunteer in almost every country in the world. Most countries expect a volunteer to have gained experience of volunteering before they will take them on. Anyone interested in volunteering overseas should contact International Voluntary Service (IVS) on 028 90238147.

Can volunteering affect benefits?
Most benefits are completely unaffected by volunteering. The Volunteer Centre can advise you about this.

The Management of Volunteers.
Armagh and Dungannon Volunteer Bureau wants to ensure that all volunteers and all placement organisations understand their own responsibilities. It is up to placements to support and supervise volunteers placed with them. A Volunteer Agreement is being introduced to all Volunteers. This will outline terms and conditions as well as identify the duties of the volunteer. The Bureau is currently updating its registration procedures and has requested more detailed information from organisations. The main reason for this is to ensure that a volunteer has enough information about the placement, the role and also what type of person the organisation is seeking to recruit. This will aid to reduce the number of volunteers leaving a placement.

Training - The Bureau can contribute up to £50 towards the cost of any training that is connected with volunteering. The Bureau has provided training for volunteers. This includes First Aid, Child Protection Training and Finding and Keeping Volunteers. Placement Organisations which provide training for their staff, should also offer this training to their volunteers.