There has been a huge increase in numbers volunteering, according to Sharon Meaney, development co-ordinator with Clare Volunteer Centre.

Presenting the six-month report to Minister for Defence Tony Killeen, Ms Meaney said, “We have experienced a 60% increase in people registering to volunteer for the first six months of 2010 and over half of these people have never volunteered before. The number one reason for people registering to volunteer is to ‘make a difference’, with ‘to gain or improve skills’ a close second.
“For the first time since the centre opened in September 2008, ‘recently made redundant’ entered the top 10. As well as supporting volunteers, the centre also provides support, training and a garda vetting service to community and voluntary organisations in Clare,” she said.
Michael Foley, chairman of the Clare Volunteer Centre Board, said, “Investment in volunteering needs to be increased to support the increase in demand of services, so that we can adequately respond to enquiries, place and support volunteers as well as provide the necessary supports to community and voluntary organisations, so they can develop new and meaningful opportunities.
“Several recent studies have shown the positive mental health benefits the opportunity to contribute to improving the lives of others in your community can be beneficial to both the volunteer and to society in general.
“We are presenting this report to Minister Killeen to highlight the considerable progress that has been made by the Clare Volunteer Centre and seeking his continued support to build on the capacity of Clare centre.”
More than 360 volunteers have registered to date and relationships developed with 70 registered community and voluntary organisations. More than 50% of volunteers are placed with suitable organisations within a three to six-month timeframe.
A key factor in progressing the work of the centre has been partnerships with the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Volunteer Centres Ireland, Clare Local Development Company, Clare County Council and a range of community and voluntary organisations around Clare.
The Clare Volunteer Centre is a one-stop shop for voluntary activity, providing volunteering opportunities for the public, sourcing much-needed volunteers for organisations and providing support for organisations in managing volunteers.
For more information on Clare Volunteer Centre, log onto www.volunteerclare.ie, phone 061 361144/086 8031106 or email info@volunteerclare.ie.