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!
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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.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.
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.
- 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!
The Brain Tumour CharityThe 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
- 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!
- 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
- 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.
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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.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
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!
- 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. - 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.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!
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.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.
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.
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!
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.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). - 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
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
- 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.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.
- 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 RoadBritish 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.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
- 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
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.
- 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.
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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.