Kate Adams (55) has been volunteering with Save the Children in Portadown for more than 20 years - and it's a role she'd recommend to anyone! [read more]

I was brought up in a 'volunteering' family where my mum, dad and other relatives were all heavily involved in our local club. That was probably my 'grounding' in volunteerism. (read more)

Before I went away I never really did any volunteering at all, I always thought that there were other people out there who could do it. But I have now learnt that it is everyone's responsibility to get involved in some way. (read more)

It's in Northern Ireland where I have felt most at home and where I've experienced like nowhere else an overwhelming understanding that we are in fact able to change things if we all work together with one goal in mind: helping others. (read more)

Rachel Moore is a student at Lumen Christi College and has been volunteering at Altnagelvin Hospital since October, as part of the Millennium Volunteers programme, which recognises sustained commitment to volunteering. (read more)

Students should think about volunteering this Student Volunteering Week, 22-28 February. As students generally have a lot of free time it is a great way to learn new skills, take on a challenge and get the opportunity to do things you wouldn't normally do. (read more)

Sonya Hall is Chairperson of Hill Croft School Parent Teacher Association. The PTA was formed in 1987 and its aim is to raise funds for the children who attend the school in New Mossley, Newtownabbey. (read more)

I have always loved football, after I stopped playing I wanted to give something back into the community in which I grew up. The Coach Education Programme has really opened doors for me. Within the past year or so, I have gained my Refereeing Badge, Level 1 Coaching Award and a Skills 4 Sport Award through Sport NI. I am really fortunate as I will be able to put these qualifications to good use in my career as a PE teacher (read more )

I am currently a volunteer driver for VSB (Volunteer Services Bureau). I drive people who are unable to drive themselves, perhaps because they have mobility or sight problems or just need a little extra support (read more).

Mona is a social car driver, meaning that she transports people every week (generally older people without transport or those who medically cannot drive anymore) to and from local health appointments, weekly shopping and the odd social event around Christmas time (read more).

'What I enjoy most about volunteering is that I am helping to provide something for young people to do and somewhere where they can meet up and be safe whilst building friendships and learning skills which will help them in the future.' (read more)

'I travelled and worked abroad when I was a student and I was always very well looked after while in other countries so it's nice to be able to help other people who are new to my country.' (read more)

If you would like to share your story with us to help encourage other people to think about volunteering we would like to hear from you. Email maria@volunteering-ni.org for more information.

Kain Hamilton, 18, is a student at Foyle and Londonderry College and is currently studying for his A Levels. Kain volunteers at Altnagelvin Hospital in L'Derry. [read more]

Nuala Trainor is a busy mother of four from Carryduff. Her volunteering with International Voluntary Service as a student took her to Hungary, the Netherlands and Scotland for a range of projects involving young people. Her current volunteering with Belfast Central Mission's Eagle Project is much closer to her heart and her home. [read more]

Volunteering has given me the opportunity to travel throughout Europe (read more)

Fiona Norris got involved with volunteering after she left work for health reasons. Her husband suggested she try her hand at some volunteering that would build up her confidence and help her back into the workplace. [read more]

Jonathan Guckian is a pupil at Lumen Christi College in L'Derry and a participant in the Millennium Volunteers programme. He spends around 8-10 hours per month volunteering at Altnagelvin Hospital. [read more]

Meabh Murray, 21, is from Finaghy in South Belfast and has just graduated from Queen's University with a degree in Social Work. As part of her degree Meabh had to spend time on placement, so she began volunteering with Mindwise in January. [read more]

Jacqueline Pollock works as a software engineer at Kainos Software in Belfast and has done since 2006. She has also been a volunteer at Carrickfergus Junior Gateway Club since 1997.[read more ]

Valerie Robinson from Carryduff has been an in-patient of the Withers Unit (Northern Ireland Regional Centre for Orthopaedic Surgery) at Musgrave Park Hospital, many times. [read more]