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Nominations for the Live Here Love Here Community Awards 2025 are now open!
20 November 2024
Celebrate your local Community Champions, the unsung heroes who go over and above to take pride in your local area. Finalists will be invited to a prestigious Award Ceremony in February hosted by local celebrity Joe Mahon. Find out more on the Live Here Love Here website. The deadline for nominations is Sunday, 1st December.
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World Volunteering Conference
20 November 2024
by Denise Hayward, Chief Executive, Volunteer Now The World Volunteering Conference was held in Busan, South Korea in October. Volunteer Now had submitted proposals for a range of sessions and were delighted that two of our papers were chosen. Lindsay Armstrong and I travelled to Busan where we delivered sessions profiling our older people’s volunteering […]
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Congratulations to 22 NI Volunteer Groups!
14 November 2024
Congratulations to 22 volunteer groups in Northern Ireland that have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2024! The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest civil Award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities. 281 Awardees from across the UK have been […]
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Experience of Volunteering by Adults in NI – New Statistics
7 November 2024
Findings from the Continuous Household Survey 2023/24 Among other policy areas, the Department for Communities (DfC) is the lead department for volunteering. DfC is responsible for the development of voluntary and community sector strategies and policies and both funds and works in partnership with the sector. This report presents the findings from the 2023/24 Continuous […]
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Celebrating the invaluable role of a trustee
6 November 2024
As this week is Trustees’ Week, we are taking a moment to recognise the valuable contribution that our trustees make to Volunteer Now. Our board is made up of a dynamic, vibrant mix of people who give their time to help shape the strategic direction of our organisation. They each bring specific skills, experience and […]
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A friend in need is a friend indeed!
1 November 2024
As Befriending Week begins, young volunteer encourages others to share their time with people who need it most The start of November marks Befriending Week (1st – 7th November) and the leading voice for volunteering in Northern Ireland, Volunteer Now, is highlighting the impact that being a volunteer befriender can have on people experiencing feelings […]
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Good Relations Awards 2025 – Nominations Open
21 October 2024
Recognising how Good Relations work is transforming communities in Northern Ireland The Good Relations Awards 2025 are now open for nominations. The annual Awards spotlight the essential role that members of the local community play in delivering peace and building united communities here. This year there are six award categories: The Community Relations Council Exceptional […]
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Volunteer Now AGM 2024
18 October 2024
You are warmly invited to Volunteer Now’s AGM: Date: Thursday 14 November 2024 Time: 2.30pm Location: Custom House, Belfast The papers can be downloaded here and included are: Agenda of the meeting Minutes from the last meeting Notice of AGM Proxy voting form This year, we will be joined by Clair Stewart who is […]
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Nominations open for Lisburn & Castlereagh Council’s Community Awards 2025
14 October 2024
The Lisburn & Castlereagh Council Mayor’s Community Awards 2025 which recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution individuals and groups make in our communities have been officially launched. Have you got a community champion? Is there a local group or organisation that stands out and deserves recognition? If so, residents are encouraged to nominate people and […]
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Independent Monitoring Board seeking members
11 October 2024
The Department of Justice is recruiting members to the Independent Monitoring Board, who play a crucial role in the oversight of prisons. Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) members provide a vital function in our prison system, monitoring the treatment of prisoners and the conditions of their imprisonment. Members are impartial […]
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90-year old volunteer a ‘ray’ of sunshine in local community
3 October 2024
Volunteer Now highlights the power of connecting as Positive Ageing Month kicks off across NI Volunteer Now, the leading voice for volunteering in Northern Ireland, is getting fully behind Positive Ageing Month this October, promoting and celebrating the positive aspects of growing older and recognising the contribution that community organisations make to older people in […]
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Programme for Government consultation sessions
2 October 2024
Volunteer Now in partnership with network organisations from across the sector – NICVA, CO3, Development Trusts NI, and Rural Community Network – invite organisations in the voluntary and community sector to share their views on the draft Programme for Government. We will be jointly hosting three online engagement sessions for organisations, to provide an overview of the key priorities […]
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Building Skills to Involve Volunteers
18 September 2024
by Denise Hayward, Chief Executive, Volunteer Now 4 in 10 organisations do not have enough volunteer to meet their primary objectives, while 3 in 10 have seen their volunteer recruitment increase in the past year. This is a finding from the Nottingham Trent VCSE Barometer in May 2024. This report has been followed in August […]
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The King’s Award for Voluntary Service – Nominations Now Open!
2 September 2024
Do you involve volunteers? Are they making an exceptional impact on a local community? You could be awarded a King’s Award for Voluntary Service! Every day, millions of people across the UK are making a difference by volunteering. Each year, outstanding examples of this work are celebrated through the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Equivalent […]
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September Investing in Volunteers Congratulations!
2 September 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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Men’s 55+ Health Day
28 August 2024
Age 55+? Come along for a morning of useful health advice, therapies and treatments, recreational activities, health checks, men’s hairdresser, exhibitors and information stands, and much, much more! Wednesday 9 October 22024, 10:30am-1:30pm Girdwood Community Hub (Girdwood Avenue, Belfast BT14 6EG) Please make sure you book your place by contacting Pamela on 028 9023 2020 […]
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Women’s 55+ Health & Beauty Day
28 August 2024
Age 55+? Volunteer Now invite you to come along for a morning of useful health advice, various therapies and beauty treatments, recreational activities, health checks, exhibitors and information stands and much, much more! Tuesday 1 October 2024, 10:30am – 1:30pm Girdwood Community Hub (Girdwood Avenue, Belfast BT14 6EG) Please make sure you book your place […]
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Assembly Speaker urges older people to share key issues
19 August 2024
On 15 August 2024, the Assembly Speaker, Edwin Poots MLA called on older people here to consult with the Northern Ireland Assembly on the key issues impacting their lives. The call comes ahead of the Older People’s Parliament which is scheduled to take place in Parliament Buildings on Saturday 12 October and will be an […]
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Fully funded training – Eden Project Introduction to Community Action
6 August 2024
Our friends at Eden Project Communities have just announced the dates for their next Introduction to Community Action Course, which will take place over five Wednesday evening sessions, 18 September to 16 October. Jam-packed with workshops, inspirational talks, networking and fun, the course is for anyone interested in making a difference in their community. It […]
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Strategic Plan Members Session
31 July 2024
Volunteer Now has been working on our new Strategic Plan. Roger Courtney has been talking to members, funders and stakeholders over the past few months and supporting our board to draft our new plan. We would like to talk to our members about the draft plan to give everyone an opportunity to shape the new […]
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British Red Cross seek volunteers for their mobility aids service
31 July 2024
Do you want to make a difference and support the British Red Cross? You can do both when you join their Mobility Aids Team – you can be there for people when they need it the most, whilst making a difference in your community. If you can spare a few hours per week you can […]
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The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
30 July 2024
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest civil award given to groups of volunteers to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities. In November 2023 it was announced that nine volunteer groups in N Ireland had been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. All nine groups have now been presented with […]
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Charity Regulation Consultation Online Session
15 July 2024
The Department for Communities is consulting on the introduction of a £20,000 registration threshold below which charities would not be required to register with the Charity Commission. The consultation seeks views on the regulatory framework for those charities falling below the £20,000 registration threshold that choose not to register or de-register as charities. Small charities under this income […]
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VCSE Barometer Survey
3 July 2024
The VCSE Data and Insights Observatory’s quarterly survey is open for responses from Wednesday 3 July for three weeks. Now in its seventh wave, the Barometer is becoming a firm fixture in the VCSE community and is growing in its profile and reach. Each quarter, it provides useful data and resources on sector health in […]
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Institute of Volunteer Leadership 2024 Sessions
1 July 2024
The Institute of Volunteer Leadership (IVL) is designed for leaders of volunteers, whether paid or unpaid, based in Ireland and Northern Ireland. if you are eager to enhance your leadership skills, seek opportunities for professional development, and deepen your understanding of volunteer management, this programme is tailor-made for you. The programme is managed by Volunteer […]
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NEW Publication: Exploring Post-Pandemic Trends in Volunteer Participation and Wellbeing
20 June 2024
We’re pleased to share this interesting policy briefing paper with you, which aims to examine trends in volunteering across Northern Ireland following the Covid-19 pandemic. There are some interesting findings on the recovery rates of volunteering across different demographics, along with a series of recommendations for Volunteer Now to consider moving forward. Download this new […]
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2024
14 June 2024
Saturday 15 June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Let’s raise awareness of the abuse of older people, let’s prevent and stop it. It is unacceptable! Does your organisation provide services to older people? Are you doing all you can to keep them safe? Volunteer Now provide safeguarding support and training – visit Safeguarding – […]
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Celebrate & explore with Eden Project Communities
7 June 2024
Eden Project Communities invites you to join an event to bring people together, connect to nature and explore community action on your doorstep. Join them for this free one-day get together as we celebrate and explore. Whether you already run your own community project, you’ve got an idea you want to explore or you’re keen […]
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‘Humble Heros’ Across Northern Ireland Celebrated During Volunteers’ Week
3 June 2024
The voice for volunteering in Northern Ireland, Volunteer Now, has kicked off a week-long celebration of volunteers and the huge impact they have in local communities. Throughout the 40th Volunteers’ Week (3rd – 9th June), dozens of celebratory events and activities are taking place across Northern Ireland, bringing people who generously give their time for […]
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Statement from Volunteer Now about National Service
28 May 2024
Volunteer Now is concerned by the proposed National Service scheme set out by the Conservative party and the potential it has to damage the perception and long-term uptake of crucial community volunteering. Volunteering is something you choose to do, freely, simply because you want to. Volunteer Now’s membership principles state that volunteering is about freedom to choose. The […]
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