Volunteer with Us

Volunteer In Belfast - Join BCM

Introduction

Looking for volunteering opportunities in Belfast? At Belfast Central Mission, our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people experiencing homelessness, isolation and disadvantage across Northern Ireland.

At BCM, volunteers are an essential part of our story. Whether offering companionship as a befriender to an older person, lending a hand at events, or supporting behind the scenes, every volunteer helps bring dignity, hope, and practical support to those who need it most. We offer volunteering opportunities in Belfast and beyond, and there are multiple ways to get involved and support your community. 

We offer a wide range of volunteering roles in Belfast, including

  • Befriending Volunteer (Belfast)
  • Lunch club Volunteer (Belfast City Centre)
  • Housing support Volunteer Belfast
  • Christmas Toy Appeal Volunteer across Northern Ireland

 

How to Become a Volunteer in Belfast

To become a volunteer with Belfast Central Mission:

  1. Complete our online application form
  2. Attend an informal chat
  3. Begin your volunteering journey supporting your local community

No previous experience is required—just enthusiasm and a willingness to help others. Further details are  located below. 

current opportunities

Befrienders

Support an older person with regular meetups and friendship- helping to build resilience

Family Services

Support our regular groups in Dungannon and Newtownards- building parenting skills

Lunch Club Helpers

Serve our older lunch club attendees, and be a friendly and familiar face at our weekly club

Kirk House Gardeners

Support our residential home in East Belfast alongside residents in their communal garden spaces

Volunteer with Us

Faqs about becoming a volunteer

Who can volunteer with BCM?

Anyone aged 18 or over who shares in our values is welcome to apply. We particularly value volunteers from all walks of life. Whether you’re retired, working part-time, a student, or simply looking to give back, we have a role for you. Some roles may require specific skills or checks, but we’ll guide you through that.

 We offer flexible volunteering opportunities—from regular weekly roles to seasonal commitments. We’ll work with your availability and interests to find the right fit.

BCM offers a wide range of roles, including:

  • Befriending older people in the community
  • Supporting lunch clubs and community events
  • Helping with admin, fundraising, or other specific advertised tasks
  • Assisting with seasonal appeals

Each role makes a real difference—and we’ll match you to something meaningful.

No prior experience is needed for most roles. We provide induction, safeguarding training, and ongoing support.

We also love to hear about your specialist skills, whether you are a DIY dynamo, a trusted ear for those in need, or an event planning supremo- we’d love to hear about what you can do. 

You can fill out our online volunteer expression of interest form or contact our Volunteer Coordinator directly via the box below. We’ll arrange a friendly chat to learn more about you, explain the process, and help you find a role that suits your interests and availability.

How we welcome and support volunteers

Recruitment

We welcome volunteers from all walks of life, from learners right through to those giving back post retirement. In recognising this diversity, we try to make our recruitment process as open and straightforward as possible.  Opportunities are shared on this page and local volunteering networks, with a simple application form followed by an informal conversation to explore the right fit. Upon successful application, we ask for some form of Access NI, with the level and timescale determined by the role.  

How we welcome and support Volunteers

Deployment and Matching

Volunteers are matched with roles that reflect their interests and availability, from befriending and youth support to assisting in nurseries, care homes, or seasonal projects like the Christmas Toy Appeal. Each role comes with a clear description, ensuring boundaries and expectations are understood.

How we welcome and support volunteers

Ongoing Support

Volunteers are assigned a dedicated support person—either the Volunteer Coordinator or a team lead relevant to their service area. Regular check-ins, feedback, and conversations help ensure every volunteer feels informed, valued, and empowered.

How we welcome and support Volunteers

Commitment to Safety and inclusion

BCM volunteers are fully covered by our policies, training, and insurance. We foster a culture of safety, fairness, and mutual respect, and ensure everyone has the tools they need to thrive.

Testimonials