Yes, you can. Volunteering can be a valuable way to engage with the community, build skills, and contribute positively to society during this period.

Here are the steps to get you started:

1. Register on www.i-vol.ie
2. Search for volunteering roles.
3. Read the role description carefully. Be sure that you have the SKILLS for the role. You should also check the LOCATION to make sure that you can get there easily.
4. When you find a role that matches your SKILLS and LOCATION, click the pink REGISTER INTEREST button. We will send you information on next steps.
5. Keep an eye out for emails about volunteering and follow the directions to continue your application. * Don’t forget to check your SPAM folder for emails.*

As a volunteer centre, we are not involved in the asylum application process so unfortunately, we don’t have information on what can influence or benefit an application for asylum.

We do know that volunteering can help you learn about Irish culture and meet new people. This can have a positive impact on your well-being during the asylum-seeking process.

Volunteering can benefit you by providing opportunities to interact with people in your local community, build relationships, and foster a sense of belonging.

Not at all.  Many volunteering opportunities don’t require a long-term commitment. Be sure to check the Time and Commitment Required for this Role section when searching for volunteering on I-VOL to be sure that the volunteering will suit your circumstances.

Most volunteering will require a basic level of English so that you can understand the information needed to volunteer.

Roles that require more interaction with people, such as mentoring, tutoring, or office administration will require a higher level of English.

If you want to volunteer, but only have basic English, you can choose the category Suitable for Basic English in your I-VOL search.

Some volunteering roles require Garda Vetting, and some do not.  You can check the Screening Details for this Role section to find out if garda vetting is required.

Garda Vetting is a process that organisations must use when the volunteer will be dealing with children or vulnerable people. It’s an easy process and simply requires you to provide:

1. Photo ID

2. Proof of your current address, for example:

• Bank statements with the address of your accommodation
• Letters from the Irish government (e.g. IPAS, DSP) either sent to your accommodation or informing you of your address (e.g. transfer notification)
• A signed letter from your accommodation manager stating that you live in that accommodation

3. a list of addresses of all the places that you have lived.

 You can read more about Garda Vetting here.

**Please note that it may take a bit more time to start volunteering if the role requires screening or garda vetting.

It’s great that you want to volunteer! Here are some resources that can help:

Check out our guide to Getting Started with volunteering: https://volunteerdublincity.ie/getting-started/

You may also want to attend one of our volunteering events: https://volunteerdublincity.ie/all-events

You can also make an appointment to speak with one of our volunteer engagement officers at info@volutneerdublincity.ie