If youve got time ian knows of a need

National Volunteering Week, May 11-17

On one side you’ve got local organisations and charities, with a shortage of manpower.

On the other, people with skills, interest, and free time.

But how do the two get matched up?

Through the national volunteering network.

The Westmeath Volunteer Centre manager, Ian O’Flynn, said people would be amazed to see the range of ways to volunteer and how easy it is to get involved no matter where they are living, or what skills they have.

And, he says, volunteering makes you happy!

“It’s also a great way to make friends,” he told The Westmeath Examiner this week.

And since this is National Volunteering Week, there’s no better time to start.

Volunteer Ireland has 3,000 charities, community groups, or worthy causes seeking volunteers on the national volunteering database at www.volunteer.ie.

Says Ian: “This National Volunteering Week we are celebrating a big milestone – over 100,000 volunteers have registered with Volunteer Centres and our I-VOL database since 2005.

“This week is all about making it easier for more people to get involved.

“So for anyone interested, visit www.volunteer.ie to see how you can help and get started volunteering.”

To find out more people can also make contact with Westmeath Volunteer Centre at 044 934 8571 where you can talk with a member of staff about your specific interests.

“Volunteering is a great a way of getting involved in the community, of giving back, or developing your skills,” says Ian.

“It is positive social engagement and helps to build better communities.”