Have a Look, Have a Go!

‘Have a look and have a go’ is the message from Sligo Volunteer Week (26th – 30th September) which celebrates the diverse range of volunteers and volunteer organisations throughout Sligo.  The week will be packed with events and fairs celebrating the range of voluntary activity in the county.  It is organised by Sligo Volunteer Centre and was launched by Marion Harkin as part of the European Year of Volunteering.

If you ever wanted to find out more about volunteering, this is the week for you.  Even if it’s only for a minute, an hour, or a day - volunteering can make a big difference and be a lot of fun.  Volunteer Week in Sligo runs from Monday 26 to Friday 30 September and encourages everyone to give volunteering a try.  There will be chance to visit voluntary organisations throughout Sligo, chat to volunteers and maybe find your volunteer niche.  Key activities in Ballymote, Grange and Sligo Town will give people an opportunity to find out what is happening in their areas and what voluntary help is needed.  

The week will culminate on Friday 30 September with the National Day of Volunteering. On this day the general public will be  encouraged to carry out Random Acts of Volunteering. All the details for this are on www.volunteer.ie. You can also register your Random Act of Volunteering on this website and get lots more ideas about volunteering on National Day of Volunteering.

Volunteer Week in Sligo will celebrate current volunteers for their efforts, giving a big  ‘Thank You’ to them and  encourage new people to volunteer.  ‘We are very excited to be running the first ever series of ‘VolunTours’ which will bring people on a tour of voluntary organisations in their area’,  says Ciara Herity of Sligo Volunteer Centre.  How many times have you walked past the door of a voluntary organisation and wondered what exactly it is they do?  This is your chance to find out more about voluntary groups in your area – no strings attached.   A VolunTour will take about an hour and will give you an insight into the work of five different organisations.  Who knows, you may be inspired to Volunteer!’

On Tuesday 27 September, Ballymote will celebrate volunteer work in South Sligo. A diverse range of organisations will gather in the new Ballymote Library from 2pm – 5pm to give out information and display the work they do and services they provide.   Ballymote will be the first town to launch VolunTours - a tour of some of the voluntary organisations in Ballymote.  The Ballymote Family Resource Centre will run a mentoring session with Frances Moyles on horticulture and setting up a community allotment.  

Grange will host a Volunteer Fair in the Parish Centre on Wednesday 28 September from 3pm to 6pm.  Friday 30 September is National Day of Volunteering and O’Connell Street in Sligo will be a hive of Volunteer Activity from 3pm – 6pm.  It will include a Volunteer Fair, more VolunTours on the hour, every hour from 3pm and fun activities for all ages.  

‘There is a huge variety of volunteer opportunities available’ says Ciara.  ‘People work around their lifestyle.  They might want to help with a once off event or work with an organisation on a regular basis.  You’d be amazed at the choice of opportunities.  Some link to an organisation that is linked to their hobby, others offer their professional skills or use the opportunity to keep these skills up to date.  It could be gardening, literacy, or arts related.  Or it may be working in a particular section of the community such as with young people or older people.  

We have a list of Voluntary Organisations that are seeking help, and the Volunteer Centre helps make the match by putting potential volunteers in touch with these groups.  Volunteer Week is a great opportunity to informally meet and see volunteer groups and talk about how you could help.  We have lots of events happening and invite people of all ages to come along to the events.  All the details are on our website www.volunteersligo.ie.  If you can’t make it to any of the events during Volunteer Week,  call into Sligo Volunteer Centre at 1 Gaol Road, Abbeyville Terrace, Sligo, email us on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone us on 071-911 1042.