The results of the 2022 Census are in, and according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), volunteering in Waterford is thriving.
On the 1st of February the CSO released its Census 2022 Spotlight Series: Volunteering in Ireland. It was the first year that there was a question about volunteering since 2006.
17,756 people in Waterford (14%) said they were volunteering in 2022, and according to Paul Deegan at the Waterford Volunteer Centre, they registered nearly 600 new volunteers since then.
“This is a good news story, considering how badly volunteering was impacted by Covid. We saw a big drop off, especially among older age groups, during and after the pandemic. We have seen a real bounce back in interest. It is clear that people are regaining their confidence, and volunteering in Waterford is as strong as ever.”
According to the wider census statistics, the number of volunteers in Waterford compares favourably with surrounding counties. It is the same as the percentage of people volunteering nationally (14%). As volunteers form the backbone of many services in the county, there is always a need for new people to volunteer.
The Waterford Volunteer Centre works directly with local organisations to help them find volunteers. “We work with all types of community groups, sports clubs, associations, social care organisations and environmental groups. If you need volunteers we are there help.”
More recently the Volunteer Centre is seeing a much greater need for people to step up and take leadership roles in their community.
“We are very keen to meet people who have an interest in joining committees or boards of trustees. It is not as difficult as many people assume, and there are amazing supports available, through training and mentoring. Joining a board doesn’t just help the organisation. It is a really interesting and career-enhancing opportunity for young and old alike.”
The Volunteer Centre can be contacted through its website at volunteerwaterford.ie.
