Northern Ireland

Covid volunteer response captured in new photography series

A new photographic series captures the work of volunteers across Northern Ireland who helped local communities during the Covid-19 pandemic. Picture by Brendan Gallagher
A new photographic series captures the work of volunteers across Northern Ireland who helped local communities during the Covid-19 pandemic. Picture by Brendan Gallagher A new photographic series captures the work of volunteers across Northern Ireland who helped local communities during the Covid-19 pandemic. Picture by Brendan Gallagher

A new photographic series has captured the work of volunteers across Northern Ireland who helped communities in need during the Covid-19 crisis.

From food bank packers to prescription delivery drivers, soup kitchen workers, telephone be-frienders and online children’s storytellers, the project aims to "reflect the breadth and diversity of volunteer efforts".

Ordinary People - Extraordinary Times is an initiative by Volunteer Now, which promotes and supports volunteering across Northern Ireland.

In March it launched a #HelpEachOther campaign which saw more than 4,000 volunteers register across the north.

Now it has unveiled an e-book of images that capture their work, with plans to launch it as an exhibition visiting each county in the coming months.

Spokeswoman Denise Hayward said: "In the 10 years that Volunteer Now has been established in Northern Ireland, the Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly been our greatest challenge.

"We are immensely proud of the work of the volunteers in helping to navigate this crisis.

"We want to ensure the efforts of Northern Ireland’s volunteering community are acknowledged and recorded for future generations as they look back on this unprecedented period of time.

"As such, we have embarked upon a photography project over the last number of months to capture volunteers in action at a time when ordinary people became extraordinary community heroes.

"We are delighted to now launch ‘Ordinary People - Extraordinary Times Photographic Series’ and provide a first glimpse of some of the striking images of the wonderful volunteers in action.

"The series is a fantastic testament to the spirit and generosity of the people of Northern Ireland and is our way of saying a huge thank you to the dedicated volunteers who continue to make Northern Ireland a better place."

Communities minister Carál Ní Chuilín, whose department supported the initiative, said: "I am delighted that this photographic series has captured the efforts of the thousands of volunteers, who have been true heroes throughout the crisis, and have selflessly given their time to benefit others.

"Throughout the pandemic I have been truly heartened by the generosity and wonderful sense of community displayed in every corner of our society where people from all walks of life stepped forward to help.

"I have no doubt anyone who views the series online will feel a sense of pride in all our volunteer’s efforts."

Visit www.volunteernow.co.uk for information.