Volunteering Opportunities for the Disabled in Northern Ireland

Many people who visit Northern Ireland are drawn by its unique natural wonders. But its people are equally beautiful. Handicapped adventurers looking for valuable experiences can spend their time volunteering in the country, and most of them will let you connect with the locals in meaningful ways. The volunteering opportunities below cover different interests and strengths, so you have to look for one that suits your personality and talents.

Talk with seniors and people who need someone to talk to

The town of Ballymena in County Antrim is blessed to have Good Morning Ballymena, a free telephone service for seniors who want to have a friendly conversation. They are always looking for volunteers who are willing to devote their time to our elders in need, which include social recluses, seniors suffering from mental health problems, those who have no one else to talk to, and of course, senior PWDs. Knowing that they are talking to a handicapped person may even lead to a special bond as you speak to each other about life’s challenges. Feel free to give their office on 23 William Street a visit, as the organization is open to anyone who has the passion for connecting with people.

Sail the waters of Derry and Inishowen

We don’t usually think of the open sea when we think of areas accessible to the disabled. But some organizations are now dedicating themselves to breaking this ground for handicapped people. You now have a chance to explore the waters of Northern Ireland by volunteering for Foyle Sailability. They aim to enable disadvantaged children and adults to “just enjoy being on the water in a safe and controlled environment.” Anyone who is interested in water activities, regardless of experience, are welcome to volunteer, and training will be provided. They have specialized equipment such as hoists to bring disabled people in and out of their accessible Hansa 303 boats.

Play, assist or officiate for a wheelchair rugby team

Formed in 2013, the Antrim-based Ulster Barbarian Wheelchairs Rugby Club is the only rugby club of its kind in Northern Ireland. They are in need of volunteer training assistants, and referees who will join them at the Antrim Forum on Lough Road, Antrim. Volunteers can have fun playing the game or helping the players and staff. Naturally, their home base is very accessible, with lots of ramps, handlebars and PWD lifts. If you’re looking to meet other highly active wheelchair users and want to experience being a part of a competitive sports team, volunteering for the Ulster Barbarians is a viable option.

Help kids in need at Ballycastle

As with other towns along the Causeway Coasts, there are not enough educational and literacy institutions in the small coastal town of Ballycastle. Throughout Northern Ireland, Save the Children states that there is still a need for high-quality early years services for kids who do not have access to quality education. For this reason, the Ballycastle Child Contact Centre is looking for volunteers who can help provide a good learning environment for kids in need. The town is wheelchair-friendly, and even Ballycastle Beach has wheelchair access, disabled toilets and disabled parking. You may inquire at the Causeway Volunteer Centre to get started with your volunteering commitment.

Tend the Belfast Botanic Gardens

Nature-loving wheelers can lend a hand in caring for the Belfast’s Botanic Gardens and Tropical Ravine. Disabled volunteers are welcome, especially now that recent improvements in the Garden have modernized the building’s accessibility features with sensory facilities for sight and hearing-impaired visitors, as well as flat walkways for wheelchair users.

Dating way back to 1887, some of the flora here are more than a century old. Its collection of plants, fruit trees, and ferns used to draw thousands, but the building has been in disarray in recent years. The Belfast City Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund initiated efforts to rehabilitate the garden and restore its Victorian features. And because of this, the Council is now looking for volunteers who have a passion for plants and heritage to conduct tours, engage with visitors, and keep the garden in shape as the renovation continues.

For other stories on traveling and living in the United Kingdom, check out Curb Free with Cory Lee’s previous post on visiting theaters in London as a wheelchair user.