Would your organisation like to be involved in an exciting new piece of Northern Ireland based research?

The Unlocking Potential Project in conjunction with the University of Ulster is embarking on an exciting new study focussed on measuring the impact of the health of the 50+ age group.

The research findings will provide local evidence which will be used to influence decision makers, improve organisational practice and promote volunteering to the increasing proportion of older people in our communities.

By agreeing to take part your organisation will:

• Contribute to a major piece of research relevant at a UK and Ireland level.
• Have access to free training on volunteer management practice and research techniques.

What would your organisation be required to do?

• We would ask you to administer a questionnaire to all volunteers aged 50+ recruited up until October 2010.  We are particularly interested in recruiting as many new volunteers as possible (they do not need to be completely new to volunteering, they can be starting a new role).

Volunteer Now will then contact the individual volunteer directly on a further 3 occassions over the next 18 months to ask them to complete a similar questionnaire.

Are you interested?

Express your interest by contacting Christine Irvine at christine.irvine@volunteernow.co.uk or by telephone on 02890 818332.

This project promotes volunteering amongst older people in Northern Ireland.  Funded by The Atlantic Philanthropies over a five year period, the project has a regional focus but is delivered at local level.  The regional co-ordination and management is provided by Volunteer Now (on 1st April 2010 the Volunteer Development Agency merged with 9 Volunteer Centres to become Volunteer Now) in partnership with the North West Volunteer Centre.

The project has focussed on the Belfast & Castlereagh and L'Derry and Strabane areas but is developing reach across other areas of Northern Ireland.

Project Objectives

• To challenge attitudes and raise awareness of the contribution and benefits of volunteering.
• To increase the number of older volunteers.
• To improve access to and develop volunteer opportunities for older people that meet their expectations and positively impact on communities.
• To enhance older people's quality of life in relation to equality, social inclusion, support and health issues.

To view the Older Peoples page on the Volunteer Now website please click here.

To view details of the Unlocking Potential Outdoor Campaign please click here.



Please click on the links below to view some research publications associated with the Unlocking Potential campaign:

Older People's Literature Review
Organisational Survey Report
Older People Volunteering Research Seminars Presentation
Making the Connection
Older People Volunteering Checklist 2009 (Updated)
Northern Ireland Public Policy for Older People and Volunteering
Research Briefing Paper 2010 
Washington Study Visit Report

Unlocking Potential Team Contact Details

Billy Eagleson - Project Manager 
T 028 9081 8320 E billy.eagleson@volunteernow.co.uk

Sarah-Jane Goldring - Development Officer (based in North West Volunteer Centre) 
T 028 7127 1017
E sarahjane.goldring@volunteernow.co.uk

Helen Connolly - Development Officer (based in Shaftesbury Square Office).
T 028 9020 0850 E helen.connolly@volunteernow.co.uk

Christine Irvine - Policy & Information Officer 
T 028 9081 8332 E christine.irvine@volunteernow.co.uk