COVID-19: Our response to volunteers and organisations
As a Network of Volunteer Centres throughout Ireland, we want to let you know how we are working collectively with all relevant government Departments, national organisations plus local community groups to support the response to COVID-19. We commend and value the community based volunteer response that is mobilising and are here to provide advice and support to organisations and members of the public wishing to volunteer. For information specific to the current health emergency, please visit the HSE website for an overview of Covid19 click here for latest hse updates – click here
Find out more how we can help below:
- Information for organisations and groups involving volunteers
- Information for volunteers and members of the public interested in volunteering
Our team are working remotely at present so if you have questions it’s best to contact us by email on info@volunteerdlr.ie
Not based in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown? No problem, find contact details for your local Volunteer Centre here.
Thank you all for being such so kind and generous in your willingness to volunteer and help those who are most vulnerable. We have been inspired and overwhelmed by the willingness of people to help.
1. For organisations and groups involving volunteers in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown
Whether you have an existing volunteer programme or are managing volunteers for the first time due to COVID-19, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Volunteer Centre is here to help. We know that local organisations are having to react differently to the current emergency – some are pivoting to provide frontline services, others have had to wind down operations. Regardless of your current situation, we are here to help and support. Find out more about how we can work with you through the current crisis…
Is your organisation already or thinking about involving volunteers on the frontline?
We have developed a suite of ready-to-go volunteer roles and created a section about managing volunteers during an emergency.
Have you considered how volunteers can support your organisation from home during COVID-19??
- Interested in offering your regular activities in new ways? A volunteer could help bring your organisation online.
- Had to wind down your regular activities? Use this time to build and strengthen your organisation – skilled volunteers could help with policy development, website creation, communications strategies and more.
Dedicated webpage coming soon
2. For volunteers or members of the public interested in volunteering
Since the COVID-19 outbreak we have had over a thousand individuals contact our team to offer their time and skills in relation to COVID-19. The Volunteer Centre does not take on volunteers directly but instead we act as a referral service, helping individuals to find and access suitable volunteer roles with organisations that are currently looking for volunteers. During COVID-19, it’s more important than ever that we’re able to respond to the needs of local organisations when they require additional volunteers. To this end, we are building a bank of volunteers who are interested in supporting with COVID-19.
So far, we’re finding that local needs are being responded to really well. While we might not need your help right away, knowing that you are available and willing is a massive support. Currently when we receive a request for volunteer support from a local organisation, we reach out to volunteers that live in the local area or have listed specific skills that would be relevant for the role. We plan to continue this model over the coming weeks.
Because of the huge outpouring of support we have not been able to find a COVID-19 volunteer role for everyone and appreciate that can be frustrating for those who haven’t been able to volunteer. There are many reasons for this, some of which are quite positive. Volunteer Ireland have written a great blog exploring some of these reasons and we hope it will shed some light on our experiences so far. For the moment we’re asking you to be patient, stick with us and maybe even think about volunteering from home!
Opt-in for COVID-19 volunteering updates
If you would like to join this group you can sign up at www.i-vol.ie. If you’re already registered with your local Volunteer Centre you can opt-in via your Volunteer Profile.
While there may not be many formal volunteer roles available at present, all around our communities continue to volunteer informally by calling and checking in on neighbours, friends and family.
Some useful resources:
Volunteering From Home during COVID-19
We’ve recently launched our #VolunteerFromHome campaign. Why? Because while many things are changing, volunteering is still a wonderful way to connect with one another and the causes we care about. It is a way of looking after ourselves, others and the world around us.
We’ve gathered together a variety of projects that you can do from home and in the coming weeks we’ll be adding even more!
Step 1: Pick a project
Step 2: Volunteer
Step 3: Tell us all about it
