Meet Community Volunteers

The Community Volunteers Programme is a new pilot project to support local needs in our communities. It offers a new way to bridge the gap between communities that need support and the people who want to help. It gives people the opportunity to get involved in local events and festivals while also supporting more urgent needs that arise unexpectedly, like the response to COVID-19. The programme will help organisations respond effectively to needs in our communities by allowing them to engage enthusiastic, local Community Volunteers who have raised their hand to say they want to get involved and help out.

Our experience of volunteering during COVID-19 identified a clear need for diverse, trained, and flexible volunteers so that Ireland is better placed to respond quickly, effectively, and professionally in times of local and national need. The programme was developed based on lessons learned from COVID-19 and in consultation with key stakeholders.