Volunteers - The Unity in Our Community

June 1, 2020

Volunteers’ Week, which runs from 1 –7 June, is organised as a partnership between Volunteer Now, NCVO, Volunteer Scotland and Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) and the council is delighted to support the campaign.

Speaking about Volunteers’ Week Alderman James Tinsley, Leisure & Community Development Committee Chairman, said: The theme ‘Time to Say Thank You’ is very appropriate as volunteers have given their time so willingly in dealing with the challenges presented by the Covid-19 Pandemic over the few months.   Unfortunately the usual celebrations planned around Volunteer Week cannot take place this year so it is even more important to raise awareness of the vital role volunteers play in supporting our community.   We have been overwhelmed by the dedication of volunteers and the energy and positivity they put into their work for the good of others. Whether it has been delivering essential items, checking on neighbours or vulnerable members of our community, devising new ways to bring arts and culture into our homes or getting our council area up and active; we want to say a huge Thank You to everyone in our volunteering community.” 

Each day during Volunteers’ Week we will focus on a different aspect of volunteering to ensure we shine the spotlight on the many different types of volunteers across the council area.

Today the focus is on ‘Listening and Support’ and we want to say Thank you to Community Advice Lisburn & Castlereagh.  With over 40 years’ experience assisting and advising clients on benefit entitlements and employment advice this organisation provides so much value to so many people.  The team of volunteers are an invaluable resource, from a wide variety of backgrounds with a wealth of knowledge that enhances the service that Community Advice Lisburn & Castlereagh are able to offer to the whole community. All the volunteer advisors have undergone the same comprehensive training programme as the paid advisors, with continued ongoing training to ensure that their knowledge and expertise is up to date and current. They give up their time freely and are an integral and valuable part of the service.

You can contact Community Advice Lisburn & Castlereagh (Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm) on tel: 02892 662251 or email: calc@calcni.com or send a message through their Facebook page @calcni or visit the website at https://www.calcni.com/ for advice on benefits, employment including furlough issues, housing, consumer issues, debt, family and personal issues.