Community Projects
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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 3rd 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
Latest News
Support for hospitality sector in effort to keep staff and public safe over holidays
19 December 2024
The hospitality sector is being offered support in helping spot signs of abuse within their premises over the busy holiday period. Volunteer Now, who provide specialist safeguarding training to organisations, are urging restaurants, hotels and bars to ensure staff are aware of the indicators of physical and sexual abuse, many of which can often be […]
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‘Never too old to make a difference’
13 December 2024
‘Never too old to make a difference’ – event celebrates contribution of older volunteers and invites others to give it a go Representatives from the world of volunteering gathered at Belfast City Hall this week to celebrate older people who give their time for others and to inspire others to do the same, underlining the […]
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December Investing in Volunteers Congratulations!
3 December 2024
Investing in Volunteers (IiV) is the UK Quality Standard that helps you assess and improve the quality of your volunteer management and involvement, prove and improve the effectiveness of your work with volunteers and enhance your organisation’s reputation. Achieving the standard shows your current, and potential, volunteers how much they are valued and gives them […]
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Volunteer Now appeals for more volunteers as ‘every hour can make a difference’
2 December 2024
Denise Hayward, Chief Executive of Volunteer Now, the leading voice of volunteering in Northern Ireland, has highlighted the need for more volunteers in the hope that the new year will inspire people to give their time for others. Whilst research published by NISRA in November shows that volunteer numbers in Northern Ireland are back to […]
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