Fingal Volunteer Centre is an independent and free matching service. They provide information and advice to people interested in volunteering and to organisations looking for volunteers in the Fingal area. They also advertise vacancies, advise people on their options and help organisations support their volunteers.

The Fingal Volunteer Centre Steering Group was brought together in 2005 to drive the Volunteer Action under the Fingal Improved Cohesion Plan. The group includes Blanchardstown Area Partnership, Comhairle, Co-operation Fingal, Fingal County Council, Volunteer Centres Ireland, and Forum 15 since 2007. The project is funded by the Cohesion Funds, Fingal County Council, Blanchardstown Area Partnership and Co-operation Fingal.

Since November 2006 a development worker, Laetitia Delétang, implements the project to encourage more people to become involved in volunteering across the county. The Centre is now open in Blanchardstown and Balbriggan.

Along with 12 other Volunteer Centres in the Republic of Ireland, the Fingal Volunteer Centre is a member of VCI (Volunteer Centres Ireland), the national organisation with responsibility for developing volunteering nationally and locally, a mandate approved and supported by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

The Fingal Volunteer Centre believes that anyone can volunteer. It doesn't matter whether you are young or old, male or female, able bodied or disabled, in paid work or not, there is something you can do. Some people volunteer a few times a year when they have spare time, others give a regular commitment of several hours per week and some even volunteer on a full time basis.

Laetitia, who is originally from France, thinks “there are many reasons why people volunteer. Some people want to explore a new career, some wish to make a difference in their community. I volunteered in different countries before. I wanted to help people. But at the end, it seems that I learnt and received more than I gave. By volunteering I have met so many people of different backgrounds and cultures; all my experiences were really rewarding and enriching humanely.

When I arrived in Ireland last year, I wanted to volunteer in order to learn more about the Irish culture. I found it difficult to find out about what opportunities existed in my area. When I heard about the Volunteer Centres, I thought it was a great idea to have a one stop shop for volunteering information and support.

There is a huge amount of voluntary activity happening in the fast growing county that is Fingal. And I hope that the Fingal Volunteer Centre can help both volunteers and organisations get involve in this great experience. I would be delighted to meet anyone interested in volunteering. People can also get on our website a lot of information, as well as up-to-date volunteer vacancies: www.volunteerfingal.ie.”

At the Fingal Volunteer Centre, people interested in volunteering can find out about volunteering opportunities without having to make a commitment. They will be able to talk to someone on the how, why and where of volunteering, and get ongoing support and advice.

The centre also helps organisations interested in involving volunteers. If you need volunteers they will try and source them for you. They can visit you and help with any issues about taking on volunteers for the first time, or to review current procedures. They will come and talk to you about anything to do with volunteering, such as references, good practice, or expenses.