Volunteer Now has partnered with Be Collective to bring a dedicated online platform for volunteering to Northern Ireland. The platform supports volunteers through the volunteering process and helps connect more people with a wider range of opportunities. There’s lots of great features to Be Collective like messaging, making a profile, and being able to compile all your experiences, training and roles as well as the skills gained within a social CV.You can search and apply for volunteer roles below. If you can’t find anything you like you at the moment – register now, then check back soon – new opportunities are added all the time!
Activity Support Volunteer (GMD Session Support)
Purpose of the Role:
To support adults with learning disabilities to participate meaningfully and independently in a community‑based volunteering activity – Good Morning Down – while attending Mainstay DRP. This is a supporting role, helping service users take part in their activity with confidence. The volunteer does not deliver the Good Morning Down service and does not act as a Good Morning Down volunteer.
About the Activity
Good Morning Down is a local telephone befriending charity that provides friendly morning check‑in calls to people who may feel isolated or vulnerable in the community. Two of our service users attend this activity as part of their Mainstay DRP support and enjoy taking on a meaningful, purposeful role. They are supported on site by Mainstay staff.
About the Role
As a Mainstay DRP volunteer, you will support service users during their Good Morning Down session to help them engage fully and confidently.
Skills & Qualities
- Patient, calm and encouraging approach
- Good communication and listening skills
- Comfortable supporting people with phone‑based activities and simple recording tasks
- Respectful of confidentiality and boundaries
- Reliable and consistent
- Previous experience with learning disabilities is helpful but not essential
Time Commitment
Clear, consistent commitment preferred; Every Monday 9:30am – 12:00pm. Having a regular volunteer helps service users build confidence, routine and trust.
Training & Support
Full induction provided, including Safeguarding and disability awareness, Mental Capacity Act, Lone Working, and UK GDPR & Data Protection, plus ongoing support. Role‑specific training will be provided to ensure volunteers feel confident and competent.
Important to Note
This role supports Mainstay DRP service users, not Good Morning Down members. Volunteers are not representatives of Good Morning Down. Responsibility for the Good Morning Down service remains with its own staff and volunteers.
Why Volunteer With Mainstay DRP?
- Make a real impact – Support confidence, communication, and independence.
- Encourage connection – Help people take part in meaningful community activity.
- Add purpose to the week – Support routine, responsibility, and engagement.
- Be part of something special – A supportive, inclusive environment where your contribution matters.
- Make a difference by supporting confidence and independence.
- Develop new skills in communication and empowerment‑focused support.
- Grow personally in a supportive, structured environment.
- Be part of a caring team where your contribution truly matters.
- Supporting communication, building confidence, and making calls possible.
- Whether you’re experienced or new to volunteering, your support can make a real difference.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Support service users to prepare for the session (log in, set up workspace)
- Provide gentle prompts and guidance during calls, as needed
- Support service users to record call information accurately, following instructions
- Encourage communication, confidence and choice
- Reinforce confidentiality and appropriate boundaries
- Work alongside Mainstay staff, following agreed support plans
- Promote dignity, independence and empowerment at all times
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