Joe O'Brien - Green Party Joe O'Brien - Green Party

Minister O’Brien launches a New National Pilot Community Volunteers Programme

14th September, 2021

  • Initially running in ten local authority areas including Fingal
  • Pilot programme is built on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Designed to ensure that communities are better placed to respond quickly and effectively

 

Joe O’Brien TD Minster of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, today (14th September), launched a new National Pilot Community Volunteers Programme in partnership with Volunteer Ireland and Volunteer Centres, supported by Local Authorities.

This exciting new volunteering initiative is a government led, nationally formulated programme for the whole of Ireland which will be adapted to suit local needs and build resilience in our communities. It offers a new way to bridge the gap between communities that need support and the people who want to help. It gives people the opportunity to get involved in local events and festivals while also supporting more urgent needs that arise unexpectedly, like the community response to COVID-19.

The programme will help organisations respond effectively to needs in our communities by allowing them to engage enthusiastic, trained, local Community Volunteers through their local Volunteer Centres.

The programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and coordinated by Volunteer Ireland and the network of Volunteer Centres, with support from their Local Authority, in each area.

Speaking today, Minister Joe O’Brien said:

“I am delighted to be here today to launch the New National Pilot Community Volunteers Programme. The launch today is another step towards implementing the objectives of the National Volunteering Strategy and also the Government’s commitment in the Resilience and Recovery Plan.  Volunteers over the last 18 months have been phenomenal and this launch today helps to strengthen the bond between Volunteers, Local Authorities and the community.  I would ask all those that wish to take part in this programme to contact their local Volunteer Centre. Volunteering and community engagement are a key element as we reopen our society and support each other as we adjust to living with COVID-19.

“I am pleased that Daiga Martins Borges, Fingal Volunteer Centre Manager has joined me for this launch today. Volunteers have played a significant role in enhancing the quality of life of their communities across Fingal.”

Those who are interested in the Community Volunteer Programme are encouraged to contact their local volunteer centre.

ENDS

For further information contact johanna.walsh@oireachtas.ie

Note for photo editor:

Joe O’Brien and Daiga Martins Borges, Fingal Volunteer Centre Manager, along with volunteers who attended the launch