Minister O’Brien Launches New National Pilot Community Volunteers Programme
Joe O’Brien TD Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, has 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 Community Volunteers programme is a key action in the National Volunteering Strategy (2021 - 2025). It is also a commitment in the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021 Plan for Living with 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.