So now that you have some ideas about what you want to do, and what type of voluntary work is available (from our Information Page), the next step is to find an organisation that needs your help.

1. Visit www.VolunteerNow.co.uk

This is the Volunteer Centre's Northern Ireland database of volunteering opportunities.  Search to choose the kind of activity you are interested in and the kind of organisation you want to volunteer with, plus you can match your skills with the opportunities.

2. Make direct contact with an organisation

If you know the name of the organisation you would like to volunteer with simply give them a call.  Look up their number in the phone book or do a search on the internet.

3. Contact your local Volunteer Centre

Volunteer Centres are located throughout NI (see our Centres Page).  Your local Centre wil:

• have information on opportunities
• discuss what you want to do and what is available
• arrange for you to meet with organisations
• can offer you support throughout your volunteer placement.

4. Apply to become a volunteer

Most organisations have a selection procedure that you will have to go through, which may make you feel frustrated if you want to start volunteering right away.  however the organisation needs to ensure they have the right person for the role.  Such attention to detail is good for both the organisation and their volunteers.  The selection procedure may involve all or some of the following:

• Application form including a request for references.  The application form will ask you for your personal details and have some questions about the kind of volunteering you are interested in.  It will probably ask for one or two referees.  Some application forms will ask you to declare if you have an criminal record.  Having a criminal record will not necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer.
• Interview or chat.  Most organisations will have some form of interview (either an informal chat or more formal in structure) with you before you join them as a volunteer.  The interview is an essential part of an organisation getting to know you and determining if you are suitable to volunteer with them.  It also gives you the opportunity to ask questions and decide if the organisation is right for you.
• Police record checks for those working with children or vulnerable adults.  This can be an important element of safeguarding practice.  There are certain volunteer roles such as working with children, young people or vulnerable adults that may require police record checks.  good policies and procedures protect volunteers who work with vulnerable groups as well as the people they work with.  Further information can be gained at www.accessni.gov.uk