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Volunteer Week 2026

Volunteers' Week: 1-7 June 2026

Volunteers’ Week is a UK-wide campaign that takes place each year from the first Monday in June, celebrating the remarkable contributions of volunteers in our communities.

Since its launch in 1984, the week has offered a dedicated moment to thank volunteers—past and present—for the time, skills, and care they give so generously. It also shines a light on the diversity of volunteering across the UK, from national charities to local grassroots groups.

Join us from 1-7 June 2026 as we celebrate the spirit of volunteering and say a heartfelt thank you to all who make a difference.

For opportunities to volunteer all year round you can visit Volunteer Now , the lead organisation for promoting and supporting volunteering across Northern Ireland.

Visit Volunteer Now

Interested in Volunteering in Antrim and Newtownabbey?

If you live in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and are considering volunteering, finding the right opportunity is simple. Click here, enter your postcode or interests, and let our platform (powered by Be Collective) match you with local roles. See a snapshot of current opportunities.

Recruiting for volunteers?

If you are a community or voluntary organisation, you can promote your organisation and volunteer roles here for free! Simply log in to post opportunities, then we can help promote your roles in a variety of ways.

Whether you’re looking for a volunteering role, or looking to recruit volunteers and develop good practice, support is on hand from our friendly Volunteering Support Officer, Wenda Gray E. wenda.gray@volunteernow.co.uk

Resources and Training

Volunteer Now also offers a wide range of resources, including good practice guidance and templates covering areas such as safeguarding. Plus, there’s a programme of training courses, with some sessions offered free throughout the year: Courses Scheduled - Volunteer Now - keep checking for free courses in the Antrim and Newtownabbey area.

Maybe you are looking for an Access NI Umbrella Body - we can do that too! Umbrella Access NI Service - Volunteer Now

Volunteers’ Week 2026 | 1–7 June

Volunteers’ Week is a chance for volunteer‑involving organisations to say ‘thank you’ to the amazing volunteers who make such a difference.

Volunteer Now is delighted to offer Volunteers’ Week merchandise, giving you an opportunity to share a small ‘thank you’ gift with your volunteers. Keep an eye out for our local ‘Lunch and Learn’ events, where you can connect with others and collect your materials.

You’ll also find lots of ideas and resources at www.volunteersweek.org

The Eden Project is also giving groups the chance to get involved in The Big Lunch offering £20 food vouchers, so you can treat your volunteers during Volunteers’ Week. This year they have also partnered with The Big Help Out, running from 5-8 June 2026. Find out more here: The big do - Eden Project communities

It's time to say Thank You!

Volunteers don't give their time for praise but saying 'thank you' is a vital way of letting them know that their time, skills, experience and passion make a difference to the services we deliver. Below we have a look at some of the valued volunteers in our Borough.

Volunteers across the Borough

Antrim Foodbank

Antrim Foodbank provides emergency food and support to people in crisis, through our Referral Partners. Here what their volunteers have to say.

Baby Basics

Baby Basics is a volunteer-led project aiming to support new mothers and families who are struggling to meet the financial and practical burden of looking after a new baby. Volunteers Frances and Hilary show us how they make up a basket for a new mother.

FareShare

FareShare NI is directly tackling food poverty in Northern Ireland by collecting surplus food from industry and redistributing it to charities, community groups and schools that are providing meals to vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, including low income families, senior citizens, people with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, at risk young people and homeless people. FareShare is always looking for new volunteers, could this be a role for you?

If you wish to apply to be a volunteer or want to find out more information on volunteering, contact FareShare’s Volunteer Coordinator, Siobhan T. 07990043523 or visit www.fareshare.org.uk/volunteer