I’m new to Ireland

The population of Mayo is extremely diverse, with people of many different nationalities and cultures living and working here. Indeed we have found a similar diversity among our registered volunteers.

Volunteering offers a perfect opportunity to become part of the community, to gain valuable experience and assist you with improve your English. Giving time to an organisation can also boost a volunteer’s CV, and regular volunteering can result in new references for jobseekers.

There are some major benefits for organisations who decide to open their doors to migrant volunteers; some of them include:

• having the opportunity to avail of a wider pool of volunteers
• access to fresh ideas and new thinking
• increased cultural competence within the organisation
• Extra language skills, which is particularly relevant if your organisation works with clients from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Contact us if you’re new to Ireland, and are interested in volunteering in the community.

In this video, volunteer Esther Kabongo and Mayo Volunteer Centre manager Kathy Rowland talk about the value of volunteering in the community.