Catholic Church and Trade Unions demonstrate how social, religious and civic engagement is declining in the EU due to the lack of “common free time and free Sundays”.  

“We do have to push for a more cohesive approach to bringing in prospective student priests” - Mgr Hugh Connolly.

Volunteering can help young people increase self-confidence and develop integrity - John McAreavey.

Faithful and people of goodwill urged to support their neighbour, the vulnerable and the elderly.

Young people invited to join volunteering project for 2014.

A number of volunteers share why they were inspired to serve at the International Eucharistic Congress and offer encouragement to those thinking of joining up. Applications close on March 17th.

The Leonard Cheshire Foundation exists to serve disabled people worldwide and to change attitudes toward disability. Marina Hoey is their Volunteer Support Manager in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Here she tells how volunteering can be a very positive experience in a person’s life. Phone contact: 02890 246247 and email: marina.hoey@lc-uk.org

Tess Martin talks to Nancy Darcy who is a member of The Third Age Foundation and has moved out of Dublin to live in Co. Meath.

Jennie Blayney tells us of a summer she spent as a volunteer working in Kenya. She says she got back a lot more than she gave.