The Volunteer Centre was set up in mid 2001 to fill a need in the local communities of Ballymena and Larne.  It was the final Centre to be established with core funding from the Department of Social Development through the Volunteer Development Agency.  We have also received funding from the Awards for All scheme.

We aim to promote voluntary action in our local area in a number of ways:

• encouraging and motivating people to volunteer
• contacting local community and voluntary groups to find out what help they need
• matching the right volunteer to the right opportunity
• providing training and advice for volunteers
• provide training and advice for groups who involve volunteers, especially small or new organisations
• organising social events for volunteers and groups 

Information

We'll do the legwork.  We have a database of volunteer opportunities which is growing all the time.  You can come in and talk to us and we'll be able to match your skills and knowledge to the most appropriate organisation for you.

Advice

Even if you're not sure what you want to do, we can advise you on the different types of volunteering and help you decide what suits you best.

Expenses

We encourage organisations to reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses so that volunteering doesn't become a financial burden.

Training

If training is required, we can help with the cost of courses and sometimes provide training ourselves.

Can the Volunteer Centre help your group?

You can access a number of services from the Centre:

• Support, advice and information on policy issues - child protection, managing volunteers and other areas of good practice
• Training on involving volunteers, eg. recruitment, ongoing support, procedures, etc
• Access to volunteers - we'll help you find them and keep them
• Access to volunteering schemes, such as Timebank and Employer Supported Volunteering
• Help with developing new projects involving volunteers and meeting local needs
• The opportunity to participate in Volunteer's Week which takes place every year
• Access to the Small Grants for Volunteering Programme that provides funding for small groups involving volunteers