Many of us volunteer without even calling it that. Picking up shopping for an older neighbour, clearing snow from the footpath or putting out someone’s bins are all informal volunteering: giving your time to help people who aren’t family, without an organisation behind you.

Formal volunteering is when you give your time through a group, club or charity. It usually means a regular commitment, a named person who supports you, and some training for the role. If that suits you better, find out how to get started.

Helping your neighbours

• Introduce yourself first. Some people are wary of a knock at the door from someone they don’t know well. A short note with your name, where you live and your phone number lets them get in touch when they’re ready.
• Respect their space. You don’t need to go into someone’s home to help. When you drop something off, call or text to let them know it’s at the door.
• Look after yourself. If you’re unwell, don’t call round. Ask someone else to step in.
• Know when to get help. If you’re worried about someone’s safety or wellbeing, contact their family, their GP or the emergency services. Our guide to safeguarding adults at risk explains how to report a concern.

Starting an informal group

If you’re getting neighbours together to help, a little planning goes a long way, even if the group is small.

• Expect fewer people than offers. Not everyone who says they’ll help will turn up. Plan for that.
• Agree what the task is. A short description of what volunteers will do, and who it suits, helps everyone pull in the same direction. Our good practice guides include a role description template.
• Manage expectations. Sometimes there are more volunteers than jobs. People are disappointed when there’s nothing for them to do, so keep in touch and let them know if you don’t need them.
• Look after your volunteers. Helping in a crisis can be stressful. Make sure no one takes on more than they can manage, and that people can step back when they need to.
• Keep people safe. If your group works with children or adults at risk, you need proper safeguarding and, for many roles, Garda vetting.

Want to help when emergencies happen?

Our Community Volunteers are trained local volunteers who support community events and step in when local emergencies happen. It’s a way to help in a crisis with training and support behind you.

Questions? Email info@volunteerdublincity.ie or call 01 473 7482.