About
A voice for volunteering in Northern Ireland
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About Volunteer Now
Volunteer Now is the lead organisation for promoting and supporting volunteering across Northern Ireland. We build recognition for volunteering and celebrate the contribution volunteers make. We provide access to opportunities and encourage people to volunteer. We are a resource for volunteer involving organisations providing support on involving volunteers, governance and safeguarding.
Volunteer Now are also a member of IAVE’s Global Network of Volunteering Leadership.
What We Do
The work of Volunteer Now is diverse and responds to the wide-ranging nature of volunteering in Northern Ireland. With a legacy stretching back 50 years, we work in partnership with an ever growing number of organisations across the voluntary and community, public and private sectors.
Volunteers: Volunteer Now promotes volunteering to individuals and groups throughout Northern Ireland, providing access to a wide range of opportunities.
Organisations: Volunteer Now supports volunteer involving organisations through the provision of training, promoting their volunteering opportunities, support with Safeguarding, access to useful publications, etc.
Community Projects: Volunteer Now supports a network of volunteer led older persons groups and forums in Belfast through our capacity building work including: West Belfast 50+ Forum; Greater Shankill Senior Citizens Forum and the G6. We also have volunteering opportunities with our befriending, driving and shopping support services.
Events: Over the last number of years our Events Team has been involved in many local and international events that couldn’t happen without volunteers. These include: the 2012 Olympic Games, Derry/Londonderry City of Culture, World Police and Fire Games, Giro D’Italia, Tall Ships, Gran Fondo, Irish Open Golf Championship as well as the imminent Belfast City Marathon and the 148th Open in Portrush.
Training: We provide a range of courses on volunteer management, safeguarding and youth topics. We can also provide a Tailored Training option to suit the particular needs of your organisation.
Governance: Need help to improve your governance? Volunteer Now can provide support.
Youth: We support young people to get involved in volunteering, and support organisations who want to involve young people as volunteers.
Employer Supported Volunteering: Each year we engage almost 1,000 volunteers from many different sectors, who wish to volunteer with support from their employer.
Publications: we have a range of useful publications which organisations are welcome to download.
Latest News

Call to Action for the Future of Volunteering
25 April 2025
The United Nations has designated 2026 as the UN Year of Volunteering for Sustainable Development. Volunteer Now is working with the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) to support the roll out of the Year in Northern Ireland. In the coming months we will be engaging with members to shape a local Call to Action […]
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Sustaining & Developing the Future of Volunteering Conference
17 April 2025
Join us for a morning of engagement, research and support! We are closing up Volunteers’ Week by taking a moment to focus on those who look after volunteers – the Volunteer Coordinators and Managers. We will also be kicking off our planning for the UN Year of Volunteering for Sustainable Development 2026 and we welcome […]
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Become a Wish Maker with Make-A-Wish UK!
17 April 2025
Critical illness brings a child’s joy to an abrupt end but Make-A-Wish UK is part of a global movement that grants life-changing wishes that have the power to turn tears into cheers, rescuing the magic of childhood even in their toughest times and providing a lifeline for families to spend precious time together. Right now, 55 […]
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Putting the ‘tee’ in volunteer!
10 April 2025
Applications open to join the volunteer support team at the 153rd Open Anyone who loves golf or simply wants to soak in the atmosphere of an unforgettable global event can now apply to join the volunteer team supporting The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club this July. Following a hugely successful return to Northern […]
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