Community participation is the business of Volunteer Centres.
We are local points of information for people who want to be more active in their communities, for organisations that want to involve volunteers and for general support on volunteering. Although we are all independent organisations rooted in our own communities, we come together with a shared vision to make up a local infrastructure for the promotion and support for volunteering.

Services for Volunteers
If you are a volunteer or interested in getting involved your local Volunteer Centre can provide information and support. You can access the information on line through this website or contact the Volunteer Centre directly. Staff can assist you to find a suitable volunteering role or provide information relating to volunteering.

Services for Organisations
Volunteer Centres work in partnership with organisations to involve volunteers and promote good practice. If your organisation involves volunteers or is thinking of doing so, the local Volunteer Centre can provide information to assist you in policy development and volunteer management. They can promote your volunteer roles and assist you in recruitment of volunteers. A number of Volunteer Centres run a local forum for volunteer managers to allow you to share experiences with others in a similar role.

Get it 'Right from the Start'
Ever wondered what your local volunteer centre can offer you?
How to access volunteering resources and support?
Want to develop and benefit from good volunteering practice?
Want to develop and promote your volunteering opportunities?
How to access training and support in volunteer management and organisational development?

Click here to download 'Right from the Start' - the Good Practice Guide to involving volunteers in your organisation'

On www.volunteernow.co.uk, well-written, appealing and clealy expressed opportunities are far more likely to attract potential volunteers. These simple guidelines can help you write more creative volunteer opportunities for your organisation.

Click here to download 'Writing volunteer opportunities for volunteernow.co.uk'

Volunteer Centres: click to link to websites

Armagh & Dungannon Volunteer Centre (merged into Volunteer Now as from 1st April 2010)
Ballymena & Larne Volunteer Centre (merged into Volunteer Now as from 1st April 2010)
Belfast & Castlereagh Volunteer Centre (merged into Volunteer Now as from 1st April 2010)
Causeway Volunteer Centre
Cookstown & Magherafelt Volunteer Centre
Craigavon & Banbridge Volunteer Centre
Down District Volunteer Centre (merged into Volunteer Now as from 1st April 2010)
Fermanagh Volunteer Centre (merged into Volunteer Now as from 1st April 2010)
Limavady Volunteer Centre
Lisburn Volunteer Centre (merged into Volunteer Now as from 1st April 2010)
Loughside Volunteer Centre (merged into Volunteer Now as from 1st April 2010)
Newry & Mourne Volunteer Centre (merged into Volunteer Now as from 1st April 2010)
North Down & Ards Volunteer Centre (merged into Volunteer Now as from 1st April 2010)
North West Volunteer Centre
Omagh Volunteer Centre

Values
Volunteer Centres hold the following values:

1. Volunteering is an important part of a democratic society.
2. Volunteers deserve support and recognition for their contribution to improving the quality of community life.
3. Volunteering is a free choice which must be open to all.
4. Involving volunteers adds to a project by complementing the efforts of paid workers rather than replacing them.
5. Volunteers must be treated equally, fairly and with respect.
6. Volunteers have the right to be safe and free from abuse and discrimination.
7. Volunteers have the right to be heard about decisions that may affect them.
8. Volunteering should lead to personal growth, self-fulfilment and a sense of achievement.
9. Volunteering contributes to the drive to counter disadvantage, promote social inclusion and build responsible citizenship.