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Local Opportunities

Volunteering locally is a great way to make a difference to your community, meet new people, gain skills and improve your wellbeing!

Please be cautious when choosing a volunteering opportunity. We vet organisations to ensure we only promote volunteering providers that we hope will provide you with a safe, rewarding and enriching experience.

If you come across a volunteering opportunity you would like us to check on your behalf, please forward the details to su.volunteer@qub.ac.uk

Check out the categories below and find your ideal match today!

  • Admin/Clerical

    Community Advice Newry, Mourne & Down

    With Community Advice Newry, Mourne & Down, you could train to be an adviser, form-filler or receptionist. Volunteers also sit on the management committee and help with fundraising, publicity or social policy activity. You will get great experience, support, full training and expenses reimbursed. 

    *Please note these opportunities are based in Newry and Downpatrick so you must live locally to one of these areas. 

    Find out more here.

    Counselling All Nations

    Counselling All Nations Services (CANS) seeks to ensure the full participation of people from minority ethnic backgrounds in public, economic, social and cultural life in Northern Ireland. They are recruiting a Weekend Admin and Operational Support Volunteer to assist with enquiries and clerical duties. 

    Find out more here.

    Shopmobility Belfast

    Shopmobility Belfast requires volunteers to undertake administrative duties including data entry, paperwork and performing safety checks on mobility equipment between the hours of 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. Full training is provided, travel expenses are reimbursed, and volunteers receive a daily lunch allowance. 

    Find out more here.

     

  • Ambassador/Champion

    #iwill Movement

    The #iwill movement are looking for #iwill Champions. These volunteers are young people who want to make a positive difference in their communities, and wider society, through social action. They will be equipped and enabled to shape and lead change in their own lives and communities.

    You can take part if you are a young person engaged in social action (10-25) or part of a group working on a social action initiative, and if you are a UK resident. Whether you are at the start of your journey, or already taking action, join and become an #iwill Champion today!

    Find out more here

    The Brain Tumour Charity 
    The Brain Tumour Charity is the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. They are recruiting Charity Ambassadors to support them with maximising fundraising opportunities, and increasing support from the Community.

    Roles include:
    • Identifying opportunities to raise awareness of Fundraising Campaigns
    • Representing the Charity through presentations and cheque collections at schools, local companies & community groups
    • Aiding recruitment of new fundraisers and supporting those signed up in your area

    Find out more here

  • Animals

    Rosie’s Trust 

    Rosie's Trust are hoping to find volunteers for their popular Canine Support role. Their mission is to preserve and protect the special relationship between people and their companion pets, when a person receives a terminal diagnosis or is living with a disability. You could support them by playing/walking their dog, or by taking it to the vet or groomer - the list is endless!

    Find out more here

  • Children/Young People

    Aspire NI is looking for volunteers to support their homework clubs by building positive relationships with participating children, helping answer their questions, assisting with homework, and encouraging a spirit of curiosity in education.

    Find out more here

    Belfast Philharmonic Society

    Volunteer needed a few hours a week to support the Youth Choirs in their rehearsal rooms in South Belfast! You would ensure children and young people can access singing and music classes, and would help the Youth Choirs prepare for concerts in Belfast and across Ireland.

    Find out more here.

    Childline

    Free, confidential listening service for children and young people up to the age of 19.  They are seeking volunteer counsellors to offer 1 x 4 hr shift a week in their Belfast base (travel expenses reimbursed). No previous experience is needed, and extensive training will be provided.

    Find out more here

    Fighting Words NI

    Become a volunteer mentor and help facilitate a programme of creative writing workshops for primary, post-primary, and community groups.  Workshops include collaborative and individual writing, and mentors support young writers to explore their creative potential. If you are a great listener who enjoys a creative environment, they would love to hear from you!

    Find out more here

    Girlguiding Ulster

    Unit assistants needed to help give girls opportunities for fun, friendship, challenge and adventure! Volunteers must be over 18 and be, or be willing to become, a member of Girlguiding. Tasks include creating and delivering programmes, complying with policies and regulations and providing a safe girl-only space where young women and girls can uncover their full potential.

    Find out more here

    Hope 4 Life NI

    Uberheroes volunteer facilitators for primary and post-primary schools across Northern Ireland needed. Uberheroes provides Early Intervention Mental Health Workshops, utilising comic heroes to help children and young people prevent mental health issues.

    School visits occur on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and would only require that you would have some availability on these days every so often. Full training, support and supervision will be provided.

    Find out more by emailing hello@hope4lifeni.org.uk 

    Literacy Pirates 

    An educational charity working to develop the literacy and confidence of young people in London in an online learning environment.

    Volunteers will provide one to one and small group literacy support to 9 to 13 year olds with the guidance of a session leader. A training session via Zoom, tech induction on the interactive learning platform, and DBS certification are provided. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. 

    Find out more here

    NIACRO

    NIACRO works to reduce crime and its impact on people and communities. Volunteers are needed for projects supporting people who have offended; their families; young people at risk of offending; and the wider community. 

    Find out more here

    NI Sea Cadets

    Volunteer as an instructor or in the management team. Volunteering with this youth charity will help you to obtain qualifications, enhance your CV and support 10-17 year olds in achieving their potential. There are 12 cadet units across NI to volunteer with.

    Find out more here

    Sólás

    A charity that provides a range of educational and social programmes for children and young people with additional needs and/or Autism.  Their Summer Scheme runs over July and August and volunteers will commit to at least one full week (either am or pm sessions, or both) to support children taking part. 

    Volunteers will receive induction training, and be supported by staff.

    Find out more here.

    The Access Project  

    Become a tutor to a young person aged 14-18, online, one hour a week. Would you like to help inspire the next generation by supporting academic studies and helping them reach full potential and access great universities?

    Current applications will support in the next academic year.

    Find out more here

    The Catholic Guides

    Leaders needed to provide Guiding opportunities to enable girls and women to develop their full potential and instil leadership skills for the future. No experience is necessary, and all training is provided. There is no upper age limit.

    Find out more here

    Tutor The Nation 

    A charity that makes education fairer, one tutoring session at a time. They are looking for dedicated volunteers to give an hour of their week to tutor a disadvantaged secondary school pupil in a GCSE or A-Level subject of choice. If you are knowledgeable about your subject and would enjoy mentoring a student to help them to develop the skills and confidence to achieve their goals, apply today!

    Find out more here

  • Community

    EastSide Partnership

    A local charity leading the regeneration of East Belfast through a variety of projects which all aim to make East Belfast a better place. 
     
    If you are sociable, reliable, enjoy teamwork and have an interest in any or all of the following - arts, the outdoors, tourism, supporting with children and young people - then volunteer with EastSide Partnership. You’ll help with event set-up, stewarding, participating in clean-ups and engaging with the public.

    Find out more here.

  • Conservation/Environment

    Belfast Hills Partnership (2 opportunities)

    Give your CV the boost it needs this semester by becoming a volunteer with Belfast Hills Partnership.  Learn new skills, help your local environment, improve health and have great craic meeting new people.

    Conservation volunteer activities take place every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10.30am – 1pm across the hills - including litter lifts, invasive species management, tree planting and path maintenance.  Volunteering is fully flexible and no prior experience is necessary.

    Find out more here

    RSPB

    RSPB are the largest nature conservation charity in the country, consistently delivering successful conservation, forging powerful new partnerships with other organisations and inspiring others to stand up and give nature the home it deserves. They have a number of opportunities available across Northern Ireland including:

    • Farmland Bird Surveyor
    • Youth Campaigner
    • Volunteer Coordinator for Species Monitoring 
    • Visitor Engagement Volunteer
    • Practical Reserve Work
    • Conservation Officer

    Find out more here

    The Conservation Volunteers

    Are you interested in conservation? Fresh air? Or getting out in the countryside? Then The Conservation Volunteers could have the volunteering role for you! TCV operate various community conservation and environmental projects that you can get involved in!

    Find out more here.

  • Disability

    Disability Sport NI

    Disability Sport NI are looking to recruit enthusiastic and energised volunteers to support with a range of programmes across NI.  Tasks will include welcoming participants and assisting with the set up and delivery of multi-sport and boccia club sessions.

    • Volunteer kit and training provided
    • Transport expenses reimbursed

    Find out more here

    Mencap

    Mencap want you to volunteer and help to make NI the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

    Find out more here

    Northern Health and Social Care Trust

    Become a Befrienders in Adult Centres to support adults with Learning Disabilities.

    The Volunteer will support staff to involve service users in centre activities helping to build confidence and independence where needed and appropriate. They will support service users through companionship and compassionate reassurance enriching their experiences.

    Volunteer Befriender in Adult Centres

    Positive Futures

    Multiple opportunities are available with Positive Futures, a charity committed to supporting individuals with a learning disability, those with acquired brain injury and people on the autistic spectrum. Roles include a Better Together Mentor based in Belfast, and a Community Support Volunteer based in either Lisburn or Bangor. Training will be provided and access NI checks are required. Click I'm interested for more information on the two roles and how to apply.

    Find out more here

    Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)

     One of the UK’s leading sight loss charities. Their Technology for Life team is looking for Roaming Tech Support and Tech Hub Support Volunteers.  Could you spare a few hours a month to help someone with sight loss to get online and set up with their new phone, tablet or computer?  Volunteers would be willing to assist people to get the most out of technology, to make life that bit easier and enjoyable.  No prior knowledge of assistive technology or vision impairment required. Full training will be given.

    Find out more here.

    Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID)

    Hearing Aid Maintenance volunteers needed across Northern Ireland.  This role provides hearing aid maintenance (cleaning/changing parts) and advice (optimising hearing aid & signposting to to other services) to NHS hearing aid users at planned support sessions and/or in their own homes, if required.

    Find out more here.

    Shopmobility Belfast

    Shopmobility Belfast requires volunteers to undertake administrative duties including data entry, paperwork and performing safety checks on mobility equipment between the hours of 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. Full training is provided, travel expenses are reimbursed, and volunteers receive a daily lunch allowance. 

    Find out more here.

    Sólás

    Sólás is a charity that provides a range of educational and social programmes for children and young people with additional needs and/or Autism.  Their Summer Scheme runs over July and August and volunteers will commit to at least one full week (either am or pm sessions, or both) to support children taking part. 

    Volunteers will receive induction training, and be supported by staff.

    Find out more here.

    Special Olympics Ireland

    Special Olympics Ireland are a sports organisation supporting people with an intellectual disability and they currently have over 8,000 athletes participating in 15 different sports. Volunteers are central to supporting the organisation and you could become involved by delivering health promotion programmes or health screening to the athletes.

    Find out more here

    The NOW Group

    Every day they run classes for those with learning difficulties and autism, teaching them life skills as well as employment skills. They also have a large range of social groups including an art club, creative writing group, film club and gaming club- so whatever you're into, there's something for you!

    Responsibilities will include providing person-centred support to participants, within classroom and outdoor venues and assisting groups and classes.

    Find out more here.

  • Education

    Aspire NI

    Aspire NI wishes to close the educational attainment gap that exists between the rich and poor through a range of free programmes to children from economically deprived backgrounds.  

    They would like volunteers to support their homework clubs by building positive relationships with participating children, helping answer their questions, assisting with homework, and encouraging a spirit of curiosity in education.

    Find out more here

    Fighting Words NI

    Fighting Words NI are looking for volunteer mentors to help facilitate a programme of creative writing workshops for primary, post-primary, and community groups.  Their fun and imagination-focused workshops include collaborative and individual writing, and mentors support young writers to explore their creative potential. If you are a great listener who enjoys a creative environment, they would love to hear from you!

    Find out more here

    Literacy Pirates

    An educational charity working to develop the literacy and confidence of young people in London in an online learning environment.

    Volunteers will provide one to one and small group literacy support to 9 to 13 year olds with the guidance of a session leader. A training session via Zoom, tech induction on the interactive learning platform, and DBS certification are provided. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. 

    Find out more here

    Sólás

    A charity that provides a range of educational and social programmes for children and young people with additional needs and/or Autism.  Their Summer Scheme runs over July and August and volunteers will commit to at least one full week (either am or pm sessions, or both) to support children taking part. 

    Volunteers will receive induction training, and be supported by staff.

    Find out more here

    The Access Project

    Supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access great universities. They are looking for students who would be able to tutor a young person aged 14-18, online, one hour a week. Would you like to help inspire the next generation by supporting academic studies and helping them reach full potential?

    Current applications will support in the next academic year.

    Find out more here

    Tutor the Nation

    Tutor The Nation is a charity that makes education fairer, one tutoring session at a time. They are looking for dedicated volunteers to give an hour of their week to tutor a disadvantaged secondary school pupil in a GCSE or A-Level subject of choice. If you are knowledgeable about your subject and would enjoy mentoring a student to help them to develop the skills and confidence to achieve their goals, apply today!

    Find out more here

  • Event Support

    NI Hospice 

    Ulster Bank are supporting the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice this year and are carrying out a 40 Hour walk-a-thon to commemorate 40 years of Hospice care in 2023.  The walk-a-thon will take place from 10pm Wednesday 13th September – 2pm Friday 15th September with a route around City Hall and the city centre.

    There will be an opening ceremony with a special Hospice Ambassador guest on Wednesday night before walkers set off. There will also have a Gazebo for refreshments for any walkers within the city hall grounds.

    Volunteers are asked to join the walk and show their support for Northern Ireland Hospice.

    You are also welcome to simply spectate.

    Find out more here

    One Young World

    A UK-based charity gathering the brightest young leaders from around the world, empowering them to make lasting positive connections. The One Young World Summit 2023 will take place in Belfast from 2 -5 October and they want you to represent Belfast as a host city by supporting these young leaders and showing them NI's best hospitality! 

    As a volunteer, you will be required to be over 18, fluent in English, reliable, friendly and polite.  Volunteer roles will be available from Saturday 30 September until Friday 6th October. 

    Find out more here

     

  • Fundraising

    Royal Medical Benevolent Fund

    Want to stand out in your applications for junior doctor positions? Fundraising for a medical charity demonstrates your commitment to the medical community, and gives your portfolio an extra boost.  It’s also your chance to make a difference, helping to change the lives of doctors and medical students in need.

    Find out more here

  • Health

    Northern Trust

    The Northern Health and Social Care Trust is seeking new volunteers to join its Bereavement Comfort Call team.

    The complex circumstances associated with dying, death and bereavement has led to an increased demand for this type of support, so if you’re an empathic person with good listening skills please consider becoming a part of this innovative service.

    In this role, volunteers will make timely calls to the next of kin of those who die in hospital, offering condolences, a listening ear and signposting, particularly to those who are not aware of what services are available or those who require additional support.

    The application deadline is 12 noon on 14 September 2023.

    Find out more here

    British Red Cross

    British Red Cross Mobility Aids Service allows people in the community to hire a wheelchair for short-term use while they recover from an illness or an injury. As a volunteer, you will be welcoming customers and helping them to get moving again. 

    Volunteers are needed in Belfast and across Northern Ireland.

    Find out more here

    Dementia NI

    Dementia NI are in need of Support Group Volunteers to be a welcoming and friendly helper and an extra pair of hands within their local Empowerment Group, while supporting members who live with dementia, to be comfortably involved in the group sessions. This volunteering opportunity would be on Friday mornings between 10.30am-12.30pm.

    Find out more here

    Headway

    Headway, a brain injury charity, are looking for volunteers to support their weekly groups in Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor and Finaghy.  Volunteers would spend time with group members, assisting with refreshments and helping with activities. *Transport costs are reimbursed. 

    Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service

    Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service at the Royal Victoria Hospital provide information materials, signposting services and support for those and their families living with cancer.  They are seeking Meet & Greet Volunteers to welcome patients and their families to the Centre.

    This role will also involve explaining resources and services available and helping service users to access the information they require.

    Find out more here

    NI Chest, Heart & Stroke 

    Wellness Volunteer - assist Surviving Stroke in the Community Wellness session attendees, in participating in activities and encouraging communication.

    PREP Volunteer - assist the Care Services Co-ordinator with the Post Rehabilitation Exercise Programme (PREP) in setting up equipment and encouraging and assisting clients.

     

  • Homelessness

    The Welcome Organisation

    The Welcome Organisation provides homeless support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year across their services.

    Volunteers are an integral part of The Welcome Organisation's work. All volunteers will receive training, supervision and opportunities to progress their skills and experience. They have various volunteer opportunities available: 

  • Isolation

    Downtown

    Downtown is a community hub that provides support to anyone feeling isolated and alone. They are seeking volunteers to befriend members by listening and giving encouragement, whilst also assisting facilitators. It is a great chance to learn new skills, and gain valuable experience supporting vulnerable adults.

    If you have time free between 2-4pm on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons, or 10.30am-12.30pm on Monday or Friday mornings, they would love to hear from you! 

    This role is based in Lisburn (you would need to have access to transport or live nearby).

    Find out more here

  • Marketing and Digital Promotion

    Ten Foundations

    Ten Foundations empowers women living in poverty in the Philippines, through its livelihood programme, and are offering diverse roles for volunteers:

    • Creating content for their social media platforms
    • Designing promotional materials
    • Producing their monthly newsletter
    • Designing education packs and other resources for school children
    • Visiting schools in NI to raise awareness of the how they can support Ten Foundations

    Find out more here.

    The Northern Ireland Futsal Federation

    The Northern Ireland Futsal Federation are currently seeking aspiring sports journalists, videographers, and content creators, to support their media team.  The role will require attendance at matches on Sundays and/or Fridays. 

    Find out more here

  • Mental Health

    Hope 4 Life NI

    Become an Uberheroes volunteer facilitator for primary and post-primary schools across Northern Ireland. Uberheroes' provide Early Intervention Mental Health Workshops, utilising comic heroes to help children and young people prevent mental health issues.

    School visits occur on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and would only require that you would have some availability on these days every so often. Full training, support and supervision will be provided.

    Find out more by emailing hello@hope4lifeni.org.uk 

    Samaritans

    Every seven seconds, Samaritans respond to a call for help. No judgement. No pressure. Samaritans are there for anyone who needs someone.

    Join the Listening Volunteer team at Samaritans NI to offer emotional support to callers.

    You don’t need to have been through particular life experiences. Anyone who wants to help others, is tolerant and open-minded is welcome to apply.

    High-quality training is included where you’ll learn valuable new skills, make new friendships, and be part of an amazing group of people.

    Find out more here

    Talk Campus

    Talk Campus is a global, 24/7 support platform for student mental health. They are looking for student volunteers for their Buddy Programme. It's an opportunity to connect anonymously with other students who are looking to support each other through the ups and downs of student life. There are no designated shifts - simply do in your own time, with flexible online training and certificates of training and service provided.

    Find out more here

    Verbal

    Verbal uses a shared reading model to start meaningful group conversations through short stories and characters from a wide range of literature. The aim is to talk about mental health and wellbeing and boost the emotional wellbeing of participants through story telling. Verbal has a variety of programmes that work with both children and adults across Northern Ireland.

    Find out more here

  • Older People

    CLARE

    Volunteering with CLARE will change the life of someone over the age of 65 in North Belfast by reducing their loneliness and isolation. You will bring your passion, creativity and kindness to this role as you befriend, have a cup of tea with, do a bit of shopping for, do an activity with or take a service user out on a day trip. 

    Find out more here

    Dementia NI

    Dementia NI are in need of Support Group Volunteers to be a welcoming and friendly helper and an extra pair of hands within their local Empowerment Group, while supporting members who live with dementia, to be comfortably involved in the group sessions. This volunteering opportunity would be on Friday mornings between 10.30am-12.30pm.

    Find out more here

  • Poverty

    Mary’s Meals

    Mary's Meals is a charity which provides 2.2 million of the world’s poorest children across 20 countries, with a daily school meal.

    As a Community Volunteer you can contribute as an individual or become part of a new student group, helping to grow the movement by motivating and inspiring others on campus and in the local community to support Mary's Meals. 

    Find out more here

    Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP)

    SVP is the largest and oldest voluntary charitable organisation in Ireland.

    The Home Visitation role provides support, guidance, and friendship to those who request assistance from the Society. 

    The Vincent’s shops require assistance with general store duties and exceptional customer service.

    Find out more here

  • Retail

    Action Cancer

    Action Cancer are looking for retail team member volunteers for their furniture shops on Ormeau Road and Andersonstown Road, Belfast.

    These are fantastic opportunities to support Action Cancer in your local community and raise funds for their services. An understanding of basic internet technology, including laptops, tablets and smartphones is desirable. They will provide full training on their instore systems.

    Ormeau Road
    Andersonstown Road

    British Heart Foundation

    Whether you want to learn new skills, keep busy or meet new people, British Heart Foundation have a range of roles available in their shops.  You could be a digital assistant, a department coordinator, volunteer behind the scenes or in a customer facing role.  Through volunteering in their shops, you would be helping to generate funding for research into all heart and circulatory diseases and the things that cause them.

    Find out more

    Concern Worldwide

    Concern Worldwide have opportunities for bookshop volunteers in Holywood and Derry/Londonderry, and shop volunteers in their Ormeau and Antrim Road locations in Belfast.  The roles involve serving customers at the till, merchandising the stock and preparing books for sale. If you enjoy meeting people, show initiative & enthusiasm, and have an interest in books then this could be the role for you.  Full training will be provided.

    Find out more here

    Habitat ReStore

    Habitat ReStore is a low-cost DIY store, building sustainable communities, directly tackling poverty, and diverting tonnes of reusable material from landfill.

    Located in various locations across NI, they are excited to be opening their first store in Belfast (Crumlin Road) at the end of February! 

    Volunteering roles include sales, processing incoming donations, assisting deliveries/collections and operating the till. 

    Find out more here

    NI Hospice

    NI Hospice shops urgently need additional volunteers. You don't have to have any retail experience. As long as you have a helpful and caring manner and are punctual and reliable they would love to have you join their friendly team.  If you can spare even just a few hours in the week, please get in touch with them now. Tasks include customer service and helping process stock.

    Find out more here

    Oxfam Ireland

    Oxfam are a global movement of people who won't live with the injustice of poverty.

    Volunteering opportunities are available for students interested in sustainable fashion in several Belfast based charity shops.

    You can get involved 3-4 hours weekly as a weekend retail team member, visual merchandiser or as a social media volunteer. Training and support will be provided to help you to feel confident in the role. 

    Find out more here

    Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP)

    Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) is the largest and oldest voluntary charitable organisation in Ireland.

    The Home Visitation role provides support, guidance, and friendship to those who request assistance from the Society. 

    The Vincent’s shops require assistance with general store duties and exceptional customer service.

    Find out more here

  • Sport

    Disability Sport NI

    Disability Sport NI are looking to recruit enthusiastic and energised volunteers to support with a range of programmes across NI.  Tasks will include welcoming participants and assisting with the set up and delivery of multi-sport and boccia club sessions.

    • Volunteer kit and training provided
    • Transport expenses reimbursed

    Find out more here

    Special Olympics Ireland

    Special Olympics Ireland are a sports organisation supporting people with an intellectual disability and they currently have over 8,000 athletes participating in 15 different sports. Volunteers are central to supporting the organisation and you could become involved by delivering health promotion programmes or health screening to the athletes.

    Find out more here

  • Sustainability

    Habitat ReStore

    Habitat ReStore is a low-cost DIY store, building sustainable communities, directly tackling poverty, and diverting tonnes of reusable material from landfill.

    Located in various locations across NI, they are excited to be opening their first store in Belfast (Crumlin Road) at the end of February! 

    Volunteering roles include sales, processing incoming donations, assisting deliveries/collections and operating the till. 

    Find out more here

  • Volunteer Management

    Save The Children

    In over 100 countries, Save the Children support children to transform their lives.

    Their Volunteer Team Recruiters are vital to the successful operations of their charity shops, promoting volunteer opportunities, supporting applicants through the recruitment process and giving a warm welcome into the Save the Children team.

    Find out more here

Opportunities
Opportunities