Meet our Volunteer Development Officer

Hello!

I’m Ian, the new Volunteer Development Officer with The Welcome Organisation and have nearly 20 years’ experience of the voluntary/community sector.

In the early 2000’s I volunteered and then worked at a hospice in England. I started my volunteer journey helping with laundry and serving evening meals to patients. I befriended patients in their own homes and helped with fundraising too. I received an award for my volunteering in 2002. The experience I gained led me to become their Volunteer Co-ordinator.

Over the last 15+ years here in NI, I have volunteered with Cats Protection, Concern, CAUSE and Aware. I have dressed up as various mascots over the years including Emergency Eddie at the 2013 World Police & Fire Games that were held in NI.

In 2012, as part of my volunteering with CAUSE in the Southern Trust area, I was involved in the making of a short film ‘Recovery in Action’ which highlighted service users and carers on their journey through mental health recovery. The film then went on to win awards in 2013 & 2014.

I have been the Volunteer Co-ordinator with Ulster Wildlife, Volunteer Now, MindWise and Inspire Wellbeing.

I’m a huge advocate for volunteering and look forward to working with existing volunteers and welcoming on board many new ones.

If you would like to find out more about how you can get involved as a volunteer with The Welcome Organisation, please contact me - Ian Cardwell, ian@homelessbelfast.org or 02890 240 424.