Can I Volunteer?
Everyone can volunteer. The key is to find a volunteering role that suits your skills and abilities. Here are some tips to help you get started with volunteering. Don’t forget you can always contact us with questions.
You can get started volunteering in 3 easy steps:

Once you have applied, you will receive an email from us with information on further steps to get volunteering.

When it comes to volunteering, your experience counts. Charities and community organisations value your life experience, commitment and maturity, and would love to have you volunteer with them.

When searching for the right for volunteering role, you may want to speak to someone one to one. Get in touch with us if you’d like to schedule a meeting with one of our placement officers to help you get started.

You might also consider attending our monthly Experience Counts Coffee Mornings for volunteers 50+ to learn about volunteering opportunities available in Dublin City.
Experience Counts Coffee Mornings offer you the chance to speak directly to organisations looking for volunteers. You can also get help finding a volunteer role and chat with other volunteers about their experiences. Check out our EVENTS page for info on our next Experience Counts meeting.
All volunteers need support. Some volunteers may require additional supports in order to realise their full potential. We are here to help you find positive ways to volunteer while giving something back, making new friends, and getting work experience.
When searching for opportunities on I-VOL keep an eye out for roles with the following section which may suit the following challenges: Physical Disability, Sensory Disability, Learning Disability and Mental Health Difficulties:

Suitable for Volunteers with the Following Challenges

  • Physical Disability
  • Mental Health Difficulties
If you need any help finding the right volunteering opportunity or have some questions about your own support needs, we are here to help. Please contact us to arrange a one-to-one appointment.
Does your employer offer volunteering as part of their Corporate Responsibility Programme?
ESV provides employees with the opportunity to improve and hone their skills while helping others.
Whether you are looking for once off volunteering opportunities or would like to volunteer to help out with a particular cause, there is a volunteering opportunity out there for you.

Simply use the search options on I-VOL to search for opportunities by time, location or type of volunteering.

Have a question or need help? Get in touch with us.

Are you interested in coming to Ireland to Volunteer?
Dublin City Volunteer Centre works only with those living in the Dublin area. If you are moving to Dublin, please do get in touch once you arrive and we will be happy to help you to start volunteering.

If you are looking for help to come to Ireland to volunteer, you can find useful information at Service Civil International.

New to Ireland? Struggling to improve your English skills? Volunteering can be a great way to improve your language skills while meeting new people and connecting with your local community.
You don’t need to be a fluent English speaker to volunteer, if you have basic English skills there are many opportunities to volunteer while improving your English.

To find volunteering opportunities that suit language learners, simply select ‘Suitable for Basic English’ when searching for a role:

Find out more about searching for roles HERE.

Need some help? Contact us to schedule a chat.

Volunteering is a great idea for students and young people looking to practice your skills, learn new one and improve your CV. Volunteering can help you to expand your circle of friends and build important relationships.
Many non-profits and charity organisations are more than happy to welcome under18s and support them during their volunteering process.

When searching for volunteer roles, remember to choose ‘under 18’ in your search.

More information and tips on volunteering for under 18’s is available HERE.

Don’t forget to get in touch with us if you would like help finding a volunteering role.

Finding a job can be time consuming and in some cases it can take a while to find something that’s right for you. Volunteering is a great way to stay positive and productive while allowing you the time you need to look for work.
You can volunteer while searching for a job and your jobseekers’ payment will not be affected, as long as you remain available to take up paid employment.

Volunteering and Social Welfare payments

The jobseeker or voluntary organisation involved should complete a VW1 application form and submit this to their local office of the Department of Social Protection. The Deciding Officer will determine whether the jobseeker may take up the volunteer opportunity in question without affecting entitlement to the jobseekers payment.
Read full details of the Voluntary Work Option.

Some good reasons to volunteer

If you would help to find the right volunteering role, we are here to help. Please contact us to make an appointment with our Placement Support Team for an informal chat to register you for our service and learn more about your skills, interests and career direction. By the end of the appointment, we aim to give you a clearer sense of how volunteering can help with your employability.

Volunteering Opportunities on LinkedIn

You can keep up-to-date with opportunities relevant to your professional skills on LinkedIn.
Get more info on volunteering while unemployed HERE.