Volunteer
Volunteer with Best Buddies Ireland and help us end the social, physical, and economic isolation of 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). There are many ways for you to join our efforts.
For more information and application: Ireland@bestbuddies.ie
Get Involved
Getting involved with Best Buddies Ireland means becoming part of a community that believes in inclusion, connection, and friendship. Whether you are interested in volunteering, partnering with us, or supporting our events, your involvement helps create opportunities for adults with intellectual disability to form meaningful friendships and feel more connected in their communities.
Events
Best Buddies Ireland hosts a range of inclusive events throughout the year, including
volunteer training days, celebration events, and community gatherings.
Best Buddies Champion of the Year
November 15, 2025 | Miami, Florida
Champion of the Year unites and recognizes the community’s most active leaders in the name of inclusion.
By devoting their passion, talents, and networks to Best Buddies through a philanthropic competition, our Champions lay for the foundation for transformative change in their communities.
Best Buddies Champion of the Year
November 15, 2025 | Miami, Florida
Champion of the Year unites and recognizes the community’s most active leaders in the name of inclusion.
By devoting their passion, talents, and networks to Best Buddies through a philanthropic competition, our Champions lay for the foundation for transformative change in their communities.
Best Buddies Champion of the Year
November 15, 2025 | Miami, Florida
Champion of the Year unites and recognizes the community’s most active leaders in the name of inclusion.
By devoting their passion, talents, and networks to Best Buddies through a philanthropic competition, our Champions lay for the foundation for transformative change in their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Volunteers
Best Buddies Ireland is part of the global Best Buddies movement. Through our Citizens Programme, we match adults with and without intellectual disability (ID) in one-to-one, supported friendships.
Volunteers must be aged 18 or over and willing to commit time to building a consistent and meaningful friendship.
Buddies are encouraged to connect regularly, whether meeting in person, calling, or messaging. The frequency is agreed between both participants, with guidance from the programme team.
Matches are based on shared interests, personality, location, age range, and availability. Our aim is to create friendships that feel natural and mutually enjoyable.
Yes. Volunteers receive training before being matched and ongoing support throughout the friendship. Regular check-ins are provided to ensure both people feel comfortable and supported.
Yes. All volunteers must complete Garda Vetting as part of our safeguarding and participant protection procedures.
No. Best Buddies is a friendship programme, not a care service. Volunteers are friends, not carers or support workers.
Friendships are encouraged to continue for at least one year to allow time for trust and connection to develop. Many friendships continue long-term.
If either person feels the friendship is not working, they can contact the programme team. We will provide guidance and support and explore next steps where needed.
For Participants & Families
Adults aged 18 or over with intellectual disability can participate through partner organisations working with Best Buddies Ireland.
No. Participation in the Citizens Programme is free of charge.
Yes. All volunteers complete Garda Vetting and receive orientation before being matched. Safeguarding and participant wellbeing are central to the programme.
If a friendship does not continue, the programme team will provide support and discuss possible next steps, including future matching where appropriate.
Best Buddies Ireland works in partnership with disability service providers across different regions and continues to expand nationally.
We collaborate with disability service providers and community organisations to support participants locally. Organisations interested in partnering with us are encouraged to get in touch.