SVP seeks new volunteers across Northern Ireland to help people facing poverty
Anne Irwin, Regional President; Mary Waide, National Vice President; and Anne McLarnon, Regional Vice President; are pictured at the launch of a volunteer recruitment campaign which aims to encourage people from across the Region to join the Society and make a difference in their local communities.
Friday 18 September 2026
People across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to give some of their time to supporting people and families experiencing poverty and social exclusion, as the Society of St Vincent de Paul launches a new volunteer recruitment drive.
More than 800 volunteer members already support SVP’s work across the North Region, but the charity says recruiting additional volunteers would allow it to provide more help within local communities.
More volunteers means more help
Regional President of St Vincent de Paul in the North Region, Anne Irwin, said volunteers give their time each week to support people who need assistance.
“We are blessed with many willing volunteers who generously give of their time each week to help those most in need around us.
“We are seeking new people to become part of our welcoming community of volunteers as we believe that with more volunteers, we can provide more help. Whilst we are asking people if they have time to volunteer, many of our members believe that volunteering with SVP is about much more than giving of their time. It is about friendship, belonging and making a meaningful difference to people in our local communities in every County in Northern Ireland.”
SVP supports people and families experiencing poverty and social exclusion throughout Northern Ireland, providing practical and emotional support in communities across all six counties. Home visitation remains at the heart of its work.
Roles to suit different interests and skills
The organisation is looking for people interested in a range of roles, from visiting people in their homes to helping in one of the 27 Vincent’s shops across the region. Opportunities are also available for people interested in areas including IT and finance.
“Whether meeting people for a friendly chat during the Society’s core work of Home Visitation appeals to you, whether you have the flair to help in designing window displays in one of Vincent’s 27 shops across the Region or whether you have an eye for figures and an interest in IT, there are volunteering roles to suit everyone who has time to devote to SVP.”
Volunteers in Vincent’s shops can welcome customers, sort and display donations and help create shop displays, with the stores raising funds to support the Society’s wider work.
Existing volunteers have described the friendships and sense of belonging they have found through SVP, with one describing becoming a member as one of the best decisions they had ever made and another saying they were proud to be part of the SVP family.
No special experience needed
Anne, who joined SVP almost 25 years ago, said people should not be put off if they have never volunteered with an organisation before.
“I joined SVP nearly 25 years ago and the Society is built on people. People who care about their communities, people who are prepared to give their time and people who want to make a difference.
“We know that taking the first step can sometimes feel daunting, particularly if you are joining an organisation for the first time. But our volunteers tell us that once they walk through the door, they quickly discover a supportive and welcoming family.
“One of the things that makes me particularly proud is hearing volunteers say that the people they meet through SVP become such an important part of their lives. As one volunteer told us, ‘the members are encouraging and always pleasant’. Another described how ‘the volunteers of SVP are an inspiration to new members’.
“That is exactly the message we want to share through this campaign. You do not need to have special experience or qualifications. You simply need to care and be willing to give something of yourself.”
How to become an SVP volunteer
People do not have to make a major time commitment to get involved, with SVP saying those who can offer a few hours each week or have a particular skill to share can explore available opportunities.
Anne added:
“Whether you have a few hours a week, a particular skill you would like to share, or simply want to meet people and do something positive in your community, there is a place for you within SVP.
“I would encourage anyone who has ever thought ‘perhaps I could volunteer’ to take that next step as every hour is precious to SVP and for anyone interested in becoming a member, giving the gift of time is one of the greatest gifts you can give.”
Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Society of St Vincent de Paul or volunteering in a Vincent’s shop can find out more at svp.ie, telephone 028 9035 1561 or email info@svpni.co.uk.
