The Minister has set an ambitious target of almost doubling volunteering in Northern Ireland from 282,000 to half a million.
The numbers of people volunteering has remained static since 1995, yet over 75% of organisations that involve volunteers could not manage without them.
The consultation is therefore seeking ideas to enable volunteering to flourish.
In particular the consultation is asking how we:
- Support and strengthen the volunteering infrastructure.
- Recognise the value of volunteering and promote the benefits.
- Enhance accessibility and diversity in volunteering.
- Improve the volunteering experience.
Margaret Ritchie said: “A consultation on the first Volunteering Strategy for Northern Ireland offers a unique opportunity to have a wide ranging discussion on the main challenges facing volunteering.
“I want to encourage the growth of volunteering and provide new and better experiences for volunteers. There is no reason why we cannot have half a million people enriching their own lives and the lives of others through volunteering. I want to create the conditions that enables volunteering to flourish.
“I am therefore launching a consultation on the Volunteering Strategy for people to come forward and tell us about their views and experiences so we can create a strategy that is meaningful and relevant for them.
“I am keen to learn ways to improve the experience volunteers have and ensure the right services are in place to support them. I want to ensure everyone knows about the tremendous importance of volunteering and that volunteering reflects the diversity of people across society and the shared future we all aspire to.
“Volunteering has a huge beneficial impact across society both for volunteers and for people who use the valuable services they provide. This Strategy will provide us with the opportunity to take forward many actions to ensure that volunteering thrives in Northern Ireland.”
A number of public consultation events have been arranged across Northern Ireland. The consultation will close on 9 October 2009.
Notes to Editors:
- Volunteering Strategy Consultation
documents, including an Executive Summary, are available from the Department for Social Development’s website. Hard copies of the documents can also be obtained by contacting the Department’s Voluntary and Community Unit: Telephone: 028 9082 9430; Fax: 028 9082 9431 or Textphone: 028 9082 9446. The consultation document is also available in a range of different formats including audio CD and Braille. - The areas where consultation events will take place are available to view at: www.dsdni.gov.uk/volunteering-strategy-for-northern-ireland-events.htm
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