Volunteer Now

www.volunteernow.co.uk

Volunteer Now is a regional to local organisation which works to promote, develop and support volunteering across Northern Ireland. The organisation enhances recognition for the contribution volunteers make, provides access to opportunities and encourages people to volunteer. Volunteer Now is about connecting with individuals and organisations, building stronger communities and changing lives.

Volunteer Now provides training, information, guidance and support to volunteer-involving organisations on issues of good practice and policy regarding volunteering, volunteer management, child protection, safeguarding vulnerable adults and governance.

Newtownabbey Borough Council are working closely with Volunteer Now’s 2012 Project in order to involve, recognise and maximise the contribution of volunteers with the inspiration of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in particular regarding two initiatives; Creating Volunteering Champions and GoldMark.

Creating Volunteering Champions

Become your club’s Volunteer Champion by taking part in Creating Volunteering Champions (CVC). CVC is a 3 hour volunteer management training course for sport aimed at individuals who volunteer or work in a sports club / organisation. By engaging with Creating Volunteering Champions participants are kicking off their journey to fully commit to creating a culture and way of working that protects, values and empowers volunteers.

GoldMark Logo

Volunteer Now and Newtownabbey BC want to promote and recognise sports volunteering among young people aged 16-24. Volunteer Now have developed GoldMark, which builds on the existing successes of Millennium Volunteers, to achieve this aim. It involves the participants completing either 50, 100 or 200 hours of voluntary activity and Newtownabbey BC are currently exploring the opportunity to apply to be a Delivery Partner and piloting some local clubs as Community Placements. GoldMark aims to:

• Offer young people volunteer opportunities within sport which are challenging, unique and inspiring.
• Showcase the talented youth in NI and establish recognition for young sports volunteers.
• Enable young people to develop their learning and skills.
• Create a vibrant sports volunteer network for GoldMark participants in order to meet new people, have a laugh, gain confidence and make a difference.