What is a Volunteer?

Voluntary work attracts people of all ages, backgrounds and professions. The volunteer is typically a caring person who wishes to give of their time, skills and experience in order to help others. This process of giving is not one-sided. Individuals who contribute to the work of voluntary organisations can expect to receive training , support and opportunities to make new friends !

How to become a Volunteer with Youth Work Ireland

If you are interested in voluntary work with Youth Work Ireland you should contact the Member Youth Service ( See Member Youth Services Page) that is nearest to where you reside for an application form. This should be completed and returned to the Youth Service. All applicants are required to participate in a selection process which is designed to assess their suitability to work with young people. Please note all volunteers are Garda Vetted.

Once you have completed this process and been formally accepted by the Youth Service you will receive orientation or induction training , engage in a consultation around the role and responsibilities you are about to take on and be provided with support for your first steps into the world of Youth Work!

Volunteers in Youth Work Ireland

The past decade represents a period of unparalleled development for the youth work sector in Ireland. As volunteers are among the key deliverers of Youth Work Ireland services to young people this expansion has presented them with new opportunities and challenges. Member Youth Services, in addressing the needs of young people in their communities, have developed a comprehensive package of services and programmes. Consequently, the roles and responsibilities now undertaken by volunteers are wide-ranging and diverse.

Recent statistics produced by Youth Work Ireland show that the total number of volunteers that contribute in our work throughout Ireland is in the region of 4,000. The majority of these are involved in Youth Clubs, Youth Projects, Youth Information Services and the Management Committees of our 22 Member Youth Services.