National Volunteering Week

National Volunteering Week is the annual week where we celebrate all things volunteering.

This year’s theme is Small Actions, Big Impact.

A local and national communications campaign supported by a programme of events will take place from 17th – 23rd May 2021. Events will take place across the country (mostly virtually) covering everything from training, recognition and wellbeing.

Volunteer Centres are supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development to provide a placement service between individuals and groups who want to volunteer and organisations that are seeking to involve volunteers.

The most recent Volunteer Centres serve Kilkenny, Leitrim, Laois, Offaly, Roscommon, Waterford and Wexford, meaning there is now a volunteer centre in every county.

Having a Volunteer Centre in each county is a key deliverable of the National Volunteering Strategy which was launched in December 2020. The opening of the seven new Volunteer Centres is a hugely positive step. It will ensure volunteers are supported in contributing to developing and maintaining vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities through volunteering.

Volunteer Centres provide training, Garda vetting, advice and supports to volunteer organisations. The Department’s funding to Volunteer Centres is designed to strengthen and foster volunteering in Ireland.