Welcome to the first Volunteer Newsletter of 2026! We are pleased to share the latest updates and opportunities from the world of volunteering. Whether your aim is to support others, develop new skills, or strengthen your connection to the community, there are many meaningful ways to get involved.
Explore what’s new and discover how you can make a real difference as the year begins.
This newsletter contains information on:
- January focus on: Support & Companionship Volunteer roles
- Other New Volunteering Opportunities
- Christmas/New Year Card Initiative 2025
- International Volunteer Year 2026
- Volunteer Centre Pop-up at a library near you
January focus on: Support & Companionship Volunteer Roles
Support and Companionship volunteer roles provide essential social connection, emotional support, and practical assistance to individuals who may be isolated, vulnerable, or in need of companionship.
The volunteers offer a consistent, friendly presence through regular visits, phone calls, and community activities. This helps reduce loneliness, improve well-being, and support independent living.
A wide range of support and companionship opportunities are available. These include visiting older people and individuals with disabilities to provide companionship and practical support; working with young people through mentoring and guidance across various aspects of life; supporting new parents throughout their parenthood journeys, among others.
A remote option is also available within this category. It offers volunteers the chance to make weekly friendly phone calls to older people from home. This provides regular connections and reassurance.
These roles assist vulnerable members of the community. Garda Vetting is typically a mandatory requirement for all volunteers for this reason. While this process may take slightly longer than other volunteering roles initially, the role proves rewarding and enriching once started.
Check out the volunteering roles in this field currently available on I-VOL:
- Youth Mentoring Volunteer- Blanchardstown with Foroige (Blanchardstown) (Dublin 15)
- Family Support Volunteer- Dublin 15 with Home-Start Blanchardstown (Dublin 15)
- Visitation Support and Befriending Volunteer – North Dublin with ALONE Dublin (Fingalwide)
- Social Engagement and Activities Volunteers with Depaul (Dublinwide)
- Befriender Volunteer with Spirasi (Nationwide)
- Befriender for individuals with disability (Dublin 15) with Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL) (Dublin 15)
- Telephone Support and Befriending Volunteer (Remote Role) with ALONE Dublin (Remote)
Other New Volunteering Opportunities
Here are some new opportunities that have been posted this month on I-VOL:
- ‘Getting Started’ Digital Skills Tutor – Skerries Library with Age Action (Skerries)
- Care and Repair Volunteer – Dublin 15 Blanchardstown, Castleknock and Hartstown with Age Action (Dublin 15)
- Volunteer – Soup Run/Breakfast Run with Dublin Simon Community (Dublin City Centre)
- Volunteer Counsellor-Psychologist with PSPA Ireland (Dublin 7 and Remote)
- Tidy Towns Volunteer Swords with Swords Tidy Towns (Swords)
- Full Stack – Developer with Ireland Reaching Out (Remote)
- Polish Translator – help us translate public health nutrition resources
with Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute (Remote) - Pre-Loved Pop-Up Charity Clothes Event Assistant with Drogheda Women’s & Children’s Refuge (Drogheda)
- Moderator with Ireland Reaching Out (Remote)
- No Name Club Adult Leader Volunteer – CastleKnock /Clonsilla, Dublin
with No Name Club (Dublin 15) - Transport Volunteer – North Dublin with The Cat and Dog Protection Association of Ireland(CDPA) (North Dublin)
Christmas/New Year Card Initiative 2025
We would like to express a huge THANK YOU to all the volunteers who participated in our “craft a card” initiative aimed at reaching isolated individuals in Fingal during the end-of-year period.
Cards were contributed by individual volunteers, craft groups, women’s sheds, schools, and offices from Fingal and beyond.
Altogether, we received over 850 cards through our Pop-ups in Libraries and postal submissions. These cards were meticulously sorted and distributed to various Meals on Wheels services, nursing homes, and organizations supporting people with disabilities throughout Fingal.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all the organisations and volunteers who contributed to making this initiative an even greater success in 2025.
International Volunteer Year 2026
Do you know…? 2026 is the International Volunteer Year!
International Volunteer Year 2026 celebrates the heart and power of volunteerism worldwide. Every act of service — big or small — strengthens communities, supports those in need, and moves us closer to a more sustainable future. Recognised by the United Nations, this global year shines a light on volunteers as changemakers who inspire action, connection, and hope.
To be part of this global movement, we invite you to challenge yourself and volunteer 26 hours in 2026 in a new role— that’s a little over 2 hours a month.
Volunteer Centre Pop-up at a library near you
Looking for something different?
Meet us at a library near you across Fingal to chat about your interests and receive guidance on suitable volunteer roles. Our Volunteer Centre Pop-ups provide a great opportunity to meet our Team in person, ask questions about volunteering, and receive personalised advice to help shape and support your volunteering journey.
No appointment is needed—just
Check out our website for the schedule of Pop-Ups happening this month and find one near you.