Volunteer Week 1-7th June

Volunteer week is about celebrating and recognising volunteers.  This week is a good time to stop, take stock and publicly thank our volunteers for their time, dedication and commitment to helping our service users.

Headway Belfast is a small charity which relies heavily on volunteers to support the delivery of services to those who have been affected by ABI. 

Volunteer Manager Gemma Ralston highlights the the value of our volunteers.

"The level of volunteer support is second to none, with many going above and beyond their role.  We have individuals from all walks of life who give up their time-students, parents, those who are employed or retired, young and old; emphasizing that volunteering is a rewarding, challenging and worthwhile role to be involved in".

Service users have described our team as "incredible individuals that put others first, who always take the time to stop and talk and will always welcome you to the centre with a smile".

Volunteering with Headway can be a fun and enjoyable experience as well as an opportunity to learn new skills or support learning at college or university.

Volunteers enjoying the Tea Party

Why volunteer for Headway Belfast?

Volunteers are vital to the work that takes place at Headway Belfast. The benefits of volunteering are a two-way process. While making a valuable contribution to the quality of life of brain-injured individuals, volunteers improve their own knowledge, gain experience, increase their confidence and meet new people.

What will I do?

Volunteers may get involved in a range of activities including:

Art

Drama

Computer skills

Board games

Listening and talking

Trips Out

Befriending

Assisting with physiotherapy

Yoga

Fundraising

Administration

Younger Person's Network

How available do I need to be?

Most people volunteer for one 2 hour session each week but it can be more or less than that depending on your circumstances and the needs of Headway Belfast.

Headway Belfast is generally open during weekdays. There are no regular opportunities for evening or weekend volunteering but we do need sometimes need volunteers to assist with fundraising events outside of our usual hours.

Where would I volunteer?

Most of our volunteer opportunties take place at the Headway Belfast office. Some volunteer roles however do take place in the community or at other venues. We provide services to Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownards, Bangor and Downpatrick.
 

What skills will I need?

No special skills or qualifications are necessary for our volunteer roles. However friendliness, enthusiasm, common sense, patience and a willingness to be flexible are essential!  A sense of humour is also preferable!

You will receive an induction on your first day at the centre and you will be given continuous support, as well as the opportunity to attend volunteer meetings and training sessions. You will always work closely with professional staff.

Please note for our Physiotherapy Volunteer role it is desirable that applicants who have a Physiotherapy Degree qualification are full members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and are registered with the Health Professionals Council (HPC).

Hear from our volunteer, Brian White, about what it's like being a volunteer for Headway Belfast

Find out more:

Contact Gemma on 02890705125 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

How to apply:

Please download the Volunteer Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form and email it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  post it to Gemma Ralston at:

Stirling House

Suite 5C Castlereagh Business Park

478 Castlereagh Road

Belfast

BT5 6BQ

*If your application fits our criteria and we still need new volunteers at that time, you will then be invited for a visit and informal interview. You must provide two references and if your role includes regular activity working with vulnerable adults, you will also need to have an Access NI check.