If you are a member of the Volunteer Development Agency and would like to add your news and information to this page email maria@volunteering-ni.org

For more information on becoming a member click here.

Young Enterprise
Young Enterprise recently held a Volunteer Recognition Event at Stormont, attended by 170 guests. At the event local business people were urged to pass on their skills and expertise to the next generation of entrepreneurs by taking part in the Young Enterprise volunteering programme. The entrepreneurship charity runs a number of programmes aimed at schoolchildren and needs the input of local business experts to ensure that they gain a first hand insight into the world of business.

 
Chief Executive at Young Enterprise, Carol Fitzsimons explained: “We prefer to move away from a totally theory-based approach within our programmes. A real business person coming along and sharing their experience and expertise adds a lot more to these programmes than just reading alone. The students hear first hand what business is about, the challenges they may face and the reality of dealing with particular pressures.”

To find out more about corporate support or volunteering opportunities, contact Young Enterprise Northern Ireland on 02890 327003.
Photo: Carrie Davenport.

CARBON ARMY Launch
Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland launched the Carbon Army Food Growing Campaign on Friday 4th June. The launch was held at Conservation Volunteers’ Wildflower Nursery and Allotment site in Knockbracken Healthcare Park, Belfast.
The aim of the event was to demonstrate the importance of growing your own, to reduce food miles and encourage communities to become more self sufficient.
During June, Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland’s Carbon Army of volunteers will be encouraging local food growing projects to reduce climate change and cut the carbon impact of food production and distribution.
Speaking at the event volunteer Amanda Peters said “When I first started here I had no interest in conservation work, I didn’t even want to get my hands dirty, but that all changed. I have gained qualifications I didn’t think I would get and I have never looked back and I would recommend volunteering to anybody.”
A free guide to help you get started with growing your own is available at www.btcv.org

RNID Launches Volunteer Recruitment Campaign
The BBC’s Donna Traynor, today (26th May) shared her personal experience of hearing loss with the RNID, at the launch of its campaign to recruit more than 150 volunteers across Northern Ireland to help the charity in its work to support those with hearing loss and to promote hearing health awareness. 

Speaking at the campaign launch, Donna Traynor said, "If you have some free time to spare, then I would encourage you to consider volunteering with RNID. They would welcome your support to reach out to people who need help with their new hearing aids and are feeling isolated by their hearing loss."

RNID are hoping to recruit 150 volunteers over the next year, and are particularly keen to hear from those in rural communities. Volunteers will be provided with training and support to enable them to give information and practical support to people in their local areas to help get best use from their hearing aid and to help them cope with their hearing loss.

Cilla Mullan, Outreach and Information Manager said, “Research has shown that 75% of people with hearing loss have problems with everyday things many of us take for granted such as meeting new people, using public transport or shopping, as a result 68% also said that they feel isolated. This is where volunteers can make a real difference to people’s lives. You don't need any special skills just willingness and some free time. We would greatly welcome your support."

To find out more about volunteering with RNID or how to get help with your hearing aid, please contact Suzanne Thompson on 028 9023 9619 or online at www.rnid.org.uk 

Volunteers' Week Events
There are various events being held by our members to recognise & reward their volunteers.  Here are just a few of these events...

• Care for the Family are holding a volunteers' evening
• Greenway Women's Centre are hosting a celebration day    
• RNID are hosting a volunteer awards ceremony  
• SCA Ltd are taking their volunteers on a tour of the Lagan
• The Link Family & Community centre are holding a volunteer celebration supper. 
• Colin Neighbourhood Partnership are hosting their 4th annual volunteer barbecue. 
• 1st Broughshane Girls' Brigade are holding a car wash/bag packing in local supermarket
• Adventure Leadership Training are holding a mobile climbing wall event
• Bryson EVS & PLUS are holding a thank you party
• Camphill Communities Trust are holding open days
• Canoe Association of Northern Ireland are holding coaching sessions
• Carnmoney FDC are having a mini-marathon
• Childline are holding a volunteer dinner
• Compass Advocacy Network are holding a speed meet
• Guide Dogs for the Blind are having a barbecue
• Home-Start Carrickfergus are hosting a volunteer recognition event
• Include Youth are taking volunteers out for dinner