The Social Development Minister today announced a £3 million investment to encourage more people to get involved in volunteering.

Over the next three years, the Community Volunteering Scheme will target people not in paid work, ethnic minority groups, under 25-year-olds, those aged 50 plus and people with disabilities. It aims to develop a wide range of volunteering opportunities, to encourage the development of good practice and to support projects that benefit deprived communities.

Making the announcement during a visit to Cancer Lifeline in North Belfast, Social Development Minister David Hanson MP said: "Volunteering is an important expression of citizenship, a commitment of time and energy which makes an indispensable contribution to the wellbeing of society. That is why we want more people to get involved.

"Volunteers from different ethnic communities, age groups and other demographic sectors offer considerable talents, experience and expertise. They in turn can benefit from a sense of worthwhile achievement, develop skills, confidence and contacts, sociability, fun and inclusion in the local community.

"DSD is committed to the promotion, development and celebration of volunteering, particularly in this, the Year of the Volunteer. We recognise the value of the work done by volunteers and the need to resource this work."

The Community Volunteering Scheme provides grants to enable organisations to promote volunteering and to create new opportunities for volunteer involvement.

The CVS scheme is administered on behalf of the Department of Social Development by the Volunteer Development Agency, a regional organisation that provides support, training and information on volunteering, volunteer management, child protection and voluntary management committees.

There are two types of grants. Main grants provide project funding for a three year period. Previous schemes supported organisations that encourage volunteering opportunities with young offenders, people with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, parents support and advice services.

In addition, annual small grants for less than £1,000 are delivered through the 15 local volunteer bureau to support volunteer activity at a very local level. The amounts allocated for distribution to each of the Volunteer Bureau are based on population/deprivation weightings. They usually cover costs associated with volunteer expenses, training, materials etc. Details of how to apply for funding is available from the Volunteer Development Agency on Tel: 028 9023 6100 or on line at www.volunteering-ni.org

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