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Castlereagh Borough Council thanks volunteers at recognition ceremony

Castlereagh Borough Council has recognised the valuable contribution and services provided by volunteers in the Borough at a special ceremony held at the Council Civic Centre, where in excess of 60 volunteers attended.

Castlereagh has many volunteers who provide essential services within their local communities through a wide range of activities from luncheon clubs, retirement groups, residents associations and youth clubs to more formal volunteering such as working in charity shops or hospitals.

It is estimated that there are 96,464 volunteers in Northern Ireland and voluntary and community organisations account for 76,424 (source: Mapping Volunteer-Involving Organisations in Northern Ireland volunteers in NI 2010)

The event was supported by Volunteer Now whose aim is to promote volunteering across Northern Ireland and enhance recognition for the contribution volunteers make to society. At the ceremony Volunteer Now presented the Deputy Mayor with a plaque to acknowledge Castlereagh Council’s support towards volunteering in the Borough. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Cecil Hall said, “I am delighted to have been involved in a ceremony that recognised the vast range of voluntary work taking place across the Borough of Castlereagh and the Council will continue to support volunteers through their different roles.”

Castlereagh Borough Council aim to support volunteers in the community and voluntary sector by providing training, information, guidance and support to community organisations on a range of issues including policies, funding, governance, action planning and many more.

Organisations seeking assistance from the Council, should contact Lisa Wilson on T: 02890 494543 or E: lisawilson@castlereagh.gov.uk or Joanna Holland on T: 02890 494672 or E: joannaholland@castlereagh.gov.uk