At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide emotional support and information to those affected by Motor Neurone Disease.
- Company: Join the MND Association and be part of a supportive community.
- Benefits: Gain training, networking opportunities, and skill development for your CV.
- Other info: Flexible time commitment, with ongoing support from a Community Support Coordinator.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while building valuable skills.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed, just a passion for helping others.
Volunteer Now has partnered with Be Collective to bring a dedicated online platform for volunteering to Northern Ireland. The platform supports volunteers through the volunteering process and helps connect more people with a wider range of opportunities. There are many great features to Be Collective like messaging, making a profile, and compiling all your experiences, training, and roles as well as the skills gained within a social CV. You can search and apply for volunteer roles below. If you can’t find anything you like at the moment – register now, then check back soon – new opportunities are added all the time!
Are you eager to have a direct impact on someone affected by MND in your community? Join our amazing network of Association Visitors across Northern Ireland and make a difference in a way that is flexible to your time and schedule. In return for giving your time, big or small, we offer:
- Training and ongoing learning opportunities
- Networking opportunities with volunteers and within the sector
- Skill development opportunities – especially beneficial for CV building
- Recognition pathways
- Opportunities to be involved with organisational strategic projects and working groups
- Volunteer expenses policy including travel
MND moves fast. It takes away time, it takes away independence and it has no cure. Every piece of support, every research project, every pound raised, every kind word, and every day lived well, matters.
About the role: An Association Visitor offers emotional and informative support locally to those living with and affected by Motor Neurone Disease (‘MND’). Association Visitors provide people with information about how to navigate available services and explain how they can access support available to them – including through the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association. This role is recruited through our Safer Recruitment process, which means that it includes an interview, two references, and a review process. A DBS or Access NI check is also required due to the nature of the role, as appropriate. Successful applicants will complete a structured induction and sign off process, involving completion of e-learning and a classroom training pathway specific to the role. Volunteers receive ongoing local support and development from their allocated Community Support Coordinator (‘CSC’).
About our Association Visitors: Across the MND Association, everything we do is underpinned by our Values.
Values- One Strong Team: We develop and maintain positive and supportive relationships. We work effectively together within our boundaries and ask for support when needed. We are good at listening and use our active communication skills to help others.
- Think Big: We undertake appropriate learning and development to help us in our role. We use basic ICT skills to succeed – e.g. Zoom/MS Teams, email, Office 365. We use our knowledge and skills to navigate systems and provide accurate information.
- Determined: We are prepared to learn about MND and its impact on people and families. We ensure that we take steps to ensure our own and others’ safety. We understand the need for confidentiality and the importance of data protection.
- Every Day Counts: We champion the Vision and Purpose of the MND Association. We share our thoughts and ideas on how we can best support people affected by MND. We are respectful, non-judgmental and non-bias.
Tasks and responsibilities:
- Offer emotional support for someone living with/affected by MND.
- Signposting and providing helpful and relevant information, which enables someone to access appropriate services and different support available to them.
- Attend virtual and/or face-to-face sessions on an ongoing basis, such as peer support meetings, 1:1 sessions and other development events and opportunities.
- Handling data, taking notes and producing simple reports using our online systems.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with the other volunteers and staff across the local branch or group, including with the local Community Support Coordinator (‘CSC’).
- Adhere to all of the MND Association’s policies and procedures as applicable to the role.
- This role may require expensed travel within an agreed area depending on the local activities.
Time commitment is variable depending on a number of factors in a local area. This may range from 1-4 hours per week.
Skills and experience gained:
- Advice & Guidance
- Communication Skills
- Mental Health
- Problem Solving
- Resilience
- Self Awareness
- Teamwork
Causes supported:
- Community
- Disability Services
- Equality
- Family Support
- Health
- Older People
- Young People
Association Visitor (opportunities available across NI) employer: Volunteer Now
As a Rally Volunteer with Rallye Lecale, you'll be part of an exciting event that brings the community together in Downpatrick, offering a unique opportunity to engage with local residents and visitors alike. The supportive work culture fosters teamwork and communication skills while providing flexible hours that accommodate your availability. Volunteering here not only allows you to contribute to a thrilling rally experience but also helps you build a social CV showcasing your valuable skills and experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Association Visitor (opportunities available across NI)
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Association Visitor (opportunities available across NI)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Volunteer Now, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Volunteer Now.
How to prepare for a job interview at Volunteer Now
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Volunteer Now and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
