SVP operates several food banks across Dublin city centre to support individuals and families who are experiencing food insecurity. These services ensure reliable access to food during times of financial difficulty, helping to reduce hunger and ease pressure on household budgets.  

Volunteer Tasks  

Tasks differ depending on the needs of the food banks and can include:

• Bag filling 
• Unloading car deliveries 
• Serving/interacting with clients 
• Hand delivery to doorsteps of home-bound clients in the immediate neighbourhood 

Locations  

Our food banks are based in Dublin city centre, making them easily accessible for corporate volunteer groups. Depending on group size and availability, we will identify the most suitable location to ensure a meaningful and well-coordinated volunteer experience for your team.  

Group Size  

Within our network of food banks, we can accommodate groups of various sizes.

• One of our locations can accommodate groups of up to 15 people, while others are best suited for smaller groups of 2–4 people.  

Time Commitment  

Food bank volunteering takes place in the morning, for about 2–3 hours from around 8:30 or 9 am, depending on location. 

SVP  operates 200+ shops, located in the heart of our communities across the 32 counties. Our shops play a vital role in supporting our work. They offer new and gently worn items at affordable prices, while also generating essential income for SVP, which is recycled directly back into the community to support those in need.

Volunteer Tasks  

Tasks differ depending on the needs of the shops and can include:  

• Sorting and tagging clothes 
• Stocking shelves 
• Helping customers and/or helping donors dropping in their donations 
• Window dressing and styling outfits for display within stores

Location 

Please let us know which area(s) staff are located and we can place them in a shop near them.  

Find the locations of our shops HERE.    

Group Size  

Within our network of shops, we can accommodate groups of various sizes.  

• Smaller and rural shops can typically accommodate 1–2 volunteers at a time 
• Larger shops may be able to accommodate up to 5 volunteers at a time 
• For larger groups, volunteers may be split across several shops   

 Time Commitment  

Volunteer groups can opt to volunteer for a full day or a half day – which ever suits the group best. 

Our Order Fulfilment Centres offer an excellent team‑building opportunity where volunteers can work together to sort and organise donations of clothing, household items, toys and other goods. This hands‑on activity fosters collaboration among team members and makes a tangible difference, ensuring items are processed efficiently so they are ready for re-sale in our shops, or so they can be delivered to individuals and families who need them most.

Opportunities depend on availability and the location and size of your volunteer group.

Please note: SVP Membership is a volunteering pathway that is separate from the opportunities listed above. It is open to individuals who wish to make a long-term, sustained contribution to support people and communities in need, as part of a national network of dedicated volunteers.  

As Members, volunteers can choose from a variety of roles based on their skills, interests and availability.  

These include:  

Home Visitation  

SVP's core work is to support vulnerable families and individuals through confidential home visits. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and provide friendly, non-judgemental support, offer practical assistance and connect people to relevant services and supports.  

Child & Family Services  

SVP provides a variety of support services to children, families, adults and older people throughout the country, including childcare, youth clubs, community resource centres, day care centres and Meals on Wheels.

Volunteer opportunities vary from Meals on Wheels drivers to activity support roles within the services.  

Education Committee  

SVP has an Education and Training Bursary Fund that supports students who may financially struggle to access or stay in third level education and training programmes. The grants provide more than financial support; they offer hope, stability, and the chance to build a brighter future.  

Each region has a dedicated Education Committee, made up of SVP volunteers, who review applications and determine grant recipients. Their work ensures that support is directed to those who need it most and that every bursary has a meaningful, long-term impact.

If you're interested in learning more about becoming a Member, visit our website HERE, or contact our membership team at MemberSupport@svp.ie.