Six volunteer centres across the north have come together in a new initiative to encourage more people to get involved in voluntary work.
The independent centres have launched a website which they hope will become a focal point for anyone interested in helping out which will direct them to their nearest facility.
All of the centres involved – Causeway Volunteer Centre, Craigavon and Banbridge Volunteer Bureau, Limavady Volunteer Centre, Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre and Omagh Volunteer Centre – are independent.
Marirose Cunningham, from the North-West Volunteer Centre, said the new website - launched to coincide with the 40th Volunteers Week - will “without a doubt” amplify volunteering across the north and get more people involved.
She said that from the increased exposure they hope to gain from site, they aim to dispel many myths around volunteering, particularly the idea that it’s hard to leave.
“There are flexible roles out there; different roles for people at different stages of life” she said.
“No matter where you are across Northern Ireland, this is a great way to get access into local services and supporting community and voluntary organisations through volunteering.”
The centres work to connect volunteers with organisations and charities and support local groups and communities.
Donna Stewart, from the Craigavon and Banbridge centre said Covid-19 marked the beginning of “a more strategic, collaborative approach” between the centres, which are independently organised.
“We recognised what we could do, the six of us, together,” she said.
“It has been a real milestone.”