Belfast offers a diverse range of organisations and initiatives where you can get involved, meet new people and give back. Here’s a guide to some impactful volunteering opportunities in Belfast that might pique your interest:

Healthcare and Emergency Services

1. St John's Ambulance – Join their team to provide first aid training and emergency response services, a vital role in community health. 
2. British Red Cross – Engage in emergency assistance, first aid training and support services, helping those in need during critical times locally or all across the UK. 
3. Bereavement Comfort Call Volunteer – Offer compassionate support and companionship to individuals navigating grief through connections with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

Mental Health and Support Services

1. Nightline – Provide confidential support to fellow students, offering a listening ear and empathetic assistance during tough times; and receive professional training to ensure safety for yourself and others. 
2. Childline Volunteering Counsellor – Support children and young people through counselling, making a difference in their lives.
3. Welcome Service NI – Help refugees and immigrants integrate into the community, providing essential support and guidance.

Support young people through counselling

Educational and Youth Programmes

1. Queen's Homework Club – Assist local students all around NI with their academic work, helping them to achieve their educational goals.
2. Queen's Teddy Bear Hospital – Participate in interactive activities at local schools that educate children about health and medical care in a fun, engaging way.

Queen's Teddy Bear's Hospital Society

Animal Welfare

1. Almost Home Animal Rescue NI – Rescue and rehome animals in need, contributing to their care and wellbeing.
2. Ulster Wildlife – Get involved in wildlife conservation and environmental education efforts with Ulster Wildlife.
3. Assisi Animal Sanctuary – Support the care and rehoming of abandoned and abused animals in Belfast and support their community missions.

Help Cavaliers in Need

Community Events and Sports

1. Belfast City Marathon – Volunteer at this massive city-wide event that supports various charities and community initiatives, either through joining the run or volunteering as support staff. 
2. Irish Football Association – Join in local football activities, day events and training sessions and contribute to sports development. 
3. Disability Sport NI – Promote and volunteer to support sports events and physical activities for individuals with disabilities. 

Support the Belfast City Marathon

Shelter and Housing

1. Shelter NI – Support those in need of housing, addressing issues of homelessness and housing instability through hands on experience and advocacy. 
2. Welcome Centre NI – Assist in providing life saving services and integration support services to individuals affected by homelessness.

Resources for Finding Volunteering Opportunities

1. Queen's Clubs and Societies – Explore the university’s clubs and societies page online that offer various volunteering opportunities.
2. Community NI – A comprehensive resource for finding community and volunteering activities across Northern Ireland.
3. NI Direct – Government portal with information on public services and volunteer opportunities, subscribe to their emails for frequent updates on any new opportunities that apply.
4. Queen's MyFuture – Being a Queen’s student, you have access to this career development platform for a range of both paid and volunteering opportunities tailored to your course and interests.

Visit MyFuture for the latest opportunities

Volunteering in Belfast is not only a chance to support important causes but also a way to enhance your university experience and build connections within the community. Whether you're passionate about healthcare, education, animal welfare, or supporting marginalised groups, there’s a wealth of opportunities waiting for you.

Embrace these chances to give back, and you’ll find that your time in Belfast is enriched by the meaningful impact you make. Dive in, explore these options, and discover how you can contribute to the vibrant and diverse community around you!

Find out more

Volunteer SU

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Study Medicine at Queen's

Hiya Grover MB BCh BAO Medicine | Undergraduate Student | Dubai, UAE & India I'm an undergraduate medical student at Queen's, originally from India; however, I've lived in Dubai, UAE, for the past 15 years. I am part of a few medical societies, namely Scrubs surgical society, SWOT, and QUB Cardiology society. Alongside these academic endeavours, I'm a committee member for the French society and thoroughly enjoy reading, horse riding, and volunteering in the community whenever I can! My journey to Queen's was a learning curve and a hugely gratifying experience; I hope to help aspiring applicants find their footing in this wonderful new environment.