Volunteering Strategy
Volunteering Strategy ConsultationDownload VSB's Response to
The Volunteering Strategy for Northern Ireland
VSB welcomes the Department for Social Development’s Consultation paper on a Volunteering Strategy for Northern Ireland: Join in, Get Involved: Build a Better Future.
We know that volunteering provides vital services to those in need, enriches lives, builds confidence, provides opportunities to gain skills and experience, gives the opportunity to make a difference and is a cohesive force in forging community relations. This consultation gives everyone the chance to have their voice heard to ensure that volunteering is recognised as an important component of a civil society and vital to building a shared future.
We are currently working on our response to the Strategy and will post our views as soon as they are ready.
We strongly encourage others to participate in the consultation process. You can download the version of the Strategy you prefer by clicking below or by linking directly to the Department for Social Development's website.
There is also a series of Volunteering Strategy Public Consultation meetings which will be held across Northern Ireland during September and we would encourage people to attend. For the dates of the Public Consultation meetings please click here.
There is also a facility to post your comments and views on the Strategy and we would very much appreciate it if you would take the time to complete the box below. Thank you.
 | The Consultation document is extremely detailed with over 40 proposed actions. To help you we have drafted 12 of VSB’s thoughts that might assist in preparing your response. Access VSB's thoughts: click on picture |
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Volunteering Strategy Full Version |
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Volunteering Strategy Short Version |
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Link to the Department of Social Development's website |
Feedback:
Delighted to see a strategy to support volunteering. As Chair of Youth Council for Northern Ireland and as a volunteer Trustee with HomeStart(and VSB)I encourage people to give their views - especially young people! Both YCNI and HomeStart will be making a response based on our experience and...
Maire Young View full comment
It is great that volunteering is getting the formal attention it deserves. I have really enjoyed volunteering with the VSB to date. As part of the experience I have really developed socially and leave each volunteer visit with positive feelings about myself and society. I can't recommend...
Annette View full comment
Meeting, in a diverse selection of activities, a group of men who are a genuine cross-section of Belfast society has been the most fascinating aspect of my time with Men United. The members may be quite mature but the group is full of the vigour of youth.
Patrick McCann View full comment
My volunteering experiences have been both enjoyable and beneficial as through volunteering with Young Citizens In Action I have been able to further my literacy skills.
Hannah View full comment
I love volunteering, through volunteering with Young Citizens In Action, I have been set on a new career path in teaching. I have also gained new friends from the experience and had recognition through millennium volunteers and other celebrations.
Chris View full comment
I have enjoyed volunteering because it has given me different experiences eg computer skills for college. Also meeting new people and learning how to work in a team.
Leanne View full comment
I'm really pleased to see the government is keen to support volunteering and asking people how they could make it better! I have had very positive experiences voluntering, learned a lot and received much more than I gave. Volunteers make a brilliant contribution to society.
Kate View full comment