What kind of volunteer roles are available, and what do you need to volunteer?
Volunteers carry out a range of roles in our offices, including:
- administrative support such as database work, contacting supporters and responding to enquiries
- supporting campaigns, fundraising events or media and communications work
- roles requiring specialist skills such as finance, audit, and research.
The opportunities available will depend on the needs of the individual office. Some are long-term, while others may be short-term projects.
Volunteers are offered support, training and out-of-pocket expenses.
If you would like to volunteer, please email Volunteer Coordinator David Thomas: dthomas@christian-aid.org, or call our Dublin office (01 496 7040) or Belfast office (028 9064 8133).
Suzanne Shepherd
Suzanne has volunteered in Christian Aid’s Belfast office for 20 years.
During that time, she has been involved in many aspects of Christian Aid’s work. On a Thursday, she comes to the office (usually with buns for the staff!) and spends the afternoon filing paperwork, packing envelopes and answering the phones. After 18 years, she continues to volunteer, saying 'I’ve always had an interest in developing countries, especially after visiting Ethiopia and Malawi, and I enjoy volunteering with people who share this interest and passion'.
Suzanne has also helped to organise fundraising events, such as the Strangford Sportive cycle. Having been involved in a cycle event for another charity, she brought the idea to Christian Aid staff and says that the success of the Sportive, and how it has developed over the years, has been a highlight of her time with Christian Aid.
camera icon Katherine Dowds
Having supported the work of Christian Aid all her adult life, after retirement, Katherine decided to become an office volunteer in Dublin. Katherine gets involved in a mixture of daily essential roles such as administrative support, database work, contacting supporters and responding to enquiries.
‘While working in the Christian Aid office, I keep in touch with what is going on. I love Christian Aid's Count Your Blessings project actually makes lent fun! I feel I can continue to use my skills in the fight against poverty and disadvantage.’
Although she has supported Christian Aid financially for many years, Katherine feels that through volunteering her commitment has grown and she sees the gift of her time as a tangible expression of her faith.