🤝 Volunteer with NIRDP
Together, We Make Rare Visible
At NIRDP (Northern Ireland Rare Disease Partnership), our volunteers are changemakers. Whether you’re a student, working professional, retired, or someone with lived experience, there is a place for you here. Your time, skills, and passion can help us build a better, more inclusive world for people living with rare conditions.
🌍 Why Volunteer with Us?
Volunteering with NIRDP is about real-world impact—but it’s also about growth, connection, and community.
| 🌟 Benefit | 💬 What It Means |
|---|---|
| Make a Difference | Support individuals and families affected by rare diseases in Northern Ireland |
| Develop Transferable Skills | Communication, leadership, teamwork, advocacy, digital media, research |
| Explore or Enhance Your Career | Great experience for those in health, policy, education, law, media, and more |
| Join a Supportive Network | Meet people with similar values and interests, and learn from lived experience |
| Flexible & Inclusive | We welcome volunteers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels—roles tailored to you |
đź’Ľ Types of Volunteer Roles
Whether you want to get involved behind the scenes or on the front line, there’s something for everyone:
đź“Ł Awareness & Advocacy
-
Help raise awareness about rare conditions across Northern Ireland through events, campaigns, and public engagement.
🧪 Research & Policy Development
-
Support research projects, help map local services, or contribute to consultation responses that shape future healthcare and policy.
📢 Marketing & Communications
-
Write, designcontent for social media, blogs, or newsletters to help amplify the voices of the rare disease community.
🎉 Fundraising & Events
-
Assist in organising or running fundraising events, online campaigns, and community outreach activities.
đź“‚ Admin, Project, & Technical Support
-
Help with operations, data management, project planning, or website and digital support—vital work that powers our mission.
đź—Ł Peer Support & Listening
-
With appropriate training, support others directly through signposting, listening, or community engagement roles.
đź‘Ą Who Can Volunteer?
-
Students looking for experience or to explore careers
-
Professionals wanting to give back or grow skills
-
Retirees seeking meaningful involvement
-
People living with or impacted by a rare condition
-
Anyone passionate about health equity and inclusion
No specialist background required—we value lived experience just as much as professional experience.
đź•’ Time Commitment
We offer flexible roles to suit your life:
-
One-off volunteering (e.g. events)
-
Regular weekly or monthly involvement
-
Project-based or remote volunteering
Every hour helps. You choose how you contribute.
đź’ˇ Volunteer with Purpose
Volunteering with NIRDP supports:
-
Equality , visibility & inclusion for often-overlooked communities
-
Career readiness for those seeking skills and experience
-
Mental well-being & connection through meaningful engagement
- Sustainability & inclusion (linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals)
đź“ť How to Get Involved
Getting started is easy:
- Fill out our Volunteer Expression of Interest form below
- We’ll contact you for an informal chat.
- Depending on the role, we may provide training or support materials.
- Â
đź’¬ Questions?
Email us at info@nirdp.org.uk or use our Contact Page to get in touch.
Together, we’re stronger.
Be the link. Be the voice. Be the support. Volunteer with NIRDP.
