Community projects includes a range of volunteer led services for some of the most vulnerable older people in our community. This includes befriending, driving, and shopping support services for isolated older people living in Belfast.

We also provide a volunteer transport service for the SEHSCT in Ards and North Down for ‘looked after’ children and younger people. If you would like more information on these projects visit the ‘Volunteer with us’ section.

Capacity Building Work

Volunteer Now also supports the network of volunteer led older persons groups and forums in Belfast through our capacity building work including:

The Greater Shankill Senior Citizens Forum – local forum for older people who live in the Greater Shankill area, the forum meets the 3^rd Friday of the month at Shankill library. For more information on the Forum contact Deirdre Murphy

Volunteer Now coordinates a seniors page in the monthly edition of the Shankill Mirror , highlighting older peoples services, activities and events

West Belfast 50+ Forum – local forum for older people living in West Belfast, the forum meets the last Friday of the month at Springfield Charitable Association. For more information on the Forum contact Deirdre Murphy

G6 (Greater Belfast Seniors) – Volunteer Now supports the G6 made up of representative from the 6 senior citizens forum across Belfast. The G6 meets once a month and provides a platform for a co-ordinated voice of older people across the City.

This helps to sustain and strengthen a network of groups to combat growing social isolation and loneliness amongst older people by encouraging older people to take an active role in their communities. Dedicated volunteers are at the heart of community projects, showcasing how their efforts can make a positive difference to their lives, and to the lives of the most marginalised sections of our society.

Older and Active Programme

Community Projects through funding from PHA delivers a yearly activity programme for older people across Belfast, to encourage them to stay active and engaged. Activities include:-

Line dancing

Mens Health Day

Womens Health Day

Mens Volunteering Challenges

Men 2 Men publication

Support for older men’s groups through a small grant programme

Keep an eye on this page for up-and-coming events and information, or contact Pamela Higgins to be added to our mailing list

Newsletters

Read our latest Newsletters here:

Men2Men newsletter Winter 2023

Older Peoples Newsletter Spring 2024

Contact Us

If you are working in Belfast with older people in a statutory, community or voluntary capacity or you are an older person who would like to join an existing older persons group or you would like to start up a new group then contact:

Lindsay Armstrong, Community Projects Manager: Lindsay.Armstrong@volunteernow.co.uk

Deirdre Murphy, Capacity Building: Deirdre.Murphy@volunteernow.co.uk

Victoria O’Neill,  Befriending: Victoria.o’neill@volunteernow.co.uk

Lauren Harrison-Hogan, Volunteer Driving & Shopping Support: Lauren.Harrison-Hogan@volunteernow.co.uk