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A very successful social enterprise networking event was held at Centred Soul in Hill Street, Newry last night, 19 May, recognising volunteers across Newry, Mourne & Down District Council for their ongoing commitment, contribution and impact.
Hosted by Volunteer Now, in partnership with Newry & Mourne Co-Operative and Enterprise Agency (NMCEA), the event welcomed more than 30 volunteers and social enterprise organisations for a night of networking and celebration in recognition of the contribution that volunteers continue to make in support of local enterprise and within their communities.
Speaking on the night Clara O’Callaghan, Volunteering Support Officer at Volunteer Now said “Volunteers are the lifeblood of Northern Ireland and their amazing work has transformed the lives of so many people here. I’m delighted to work alongside local council and NMEA to bring together local social enterprises and their volunteer base to recognise the impact that they make each day through this special event.
"It’s the first time that we have been able to gather together since the pandemic and it’s also been a great opportunity for us to engage with new members and promote the benefits of volunteering to new audiences."
O'Callaghan added "Volunteering is an incredibly fulfilling activity that supports the fibre of our community. I would encourage anyone with time to spare or an interest in helping others to visit our online volunteering platform at volunteernow.co.uk, register your interest and give volunteering a go.
"With hundreds of unique volunteering opportunities on offer, it’s a fantastic way to expand your skills, try something new and give back to your community and I hope this event helps to inspire a new generation of local volunteers whilst also providing vital resource and support to more social enterprises in the area.”
The event coincided with celebrations to mark NMEA’s 50th anniversary, with a special award presented by lead volunteering organisation Volunteer Now to Claire McCullough, a second- generation volunteer and the newest member to NMEA’s volunteer board.
Accepting the award on behalf of NMEA’s volunteers, Claire said “As a new volunteer with NMEA, I feel very privileged to carry on the family tradition for volunteering with NMEA for a second generation. My father John McMahon volunteered with the agency for 40 years before me and was a lifelong supporter of the organisation and the good work that it continues to do in the local community to promote jobs and enterprise. I’m looking forward to continuing on my father’s great work in the community. I’m also thrilled to accept this award on behalf of all volunteers at NMEA and I’d like to thank Volunteer Now, Newry, Mourne & Down District Council and NMEA for their continued support.”
Stephen McClelland, NMCEA Senior Social Enterprise Executive, said “Social Enterprise organisations all rely on volunteers who selflessly give their free time to help their community, seeking nothing in return. Without volunteers, social enterprises like us would not be able to operate.
"As we mark our 50th year in Newry, we’re delighted to continue welcoming new volunteer members who continue to play a vital role within our organisation, with the volunteer board clocking more than 500 years of service with us which is an incredible achievement."
Explaining how much of an impact volunteers and social enterprises have had in the past few years McClelland added "Throughout the pandemic, our volunteers were essential and they continue to make huge impacts within our communities every day. They have been crucial in supporting new social enterprises to set up in the area and they will be vital to our survival as we move into a post- pandemic era. We owe our volunteers so much and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to each and every volunteer for their unwavering commitment and support at this special event celebrating our volunteers.”
Volunteer Now is the lead organisation for volunteering in Northern Ireland and urges anyone interested in volunteering to ‘give it a go’. Through Volunteer Now’s online requested volunteering platform – volunteernow.co.uk - volunteers can be matched to find local activities that best suit their skills, passions and interests. You can also chat to a Volunteer Now team member for support and information.
For more information visit www.volunteernow.co.uk
