Elaine Black

Elaine is an independent trustee since April 2023. As one of Volunteer Now event volunteers, Elaine ‘meets and greets’ and signposts individuals and families, most recently, at the Belfast Ukraine Assistance centre. Enriching volunteering is Elaine’s enduring priority. Celebrating its value, both the quality of the volunteer experience, and its benefits to the group or community underpins Elaine’s 30-year career. Starting out by supporting communities in housing estates from Ballymena to Belfast, on how to set up groups, attract funding, establish community centres, run events, and implement bespoke training programmes, doing so and safeguarding everyone involved is paramount. Progressing Council community services, e.g., designed Newtownabbey Borough’s Volunteer Awards and Belfast City Council’s Children & Young People’s services. Leading regional services e.g., for older people, mental health support, or pioneering thematic priorities e.g., Community Safety, all has relied upon great volunteers at the heart of it. Elaine is keen to champion the future of volunteering, supporting the Volunteer Now team on their endeavours and quality assure the experience for all.