Volunteer with the Irish Red Cross
Who We Are
The Irish Red Cross Society is a humanitarian organisation that upholds and works within the Red Cross Fundamental Principles by delivering a wide range of services within local communities throughout a network of local Branches around Ireland. By joining the Irish Red Cross, you become a member of a local Branch, volunteering to support your community.
What We Do
Our local Branches each have their own identity, and the activities and opportunities they offer will vary depending on the needs of their local communities and availability of volunteers. Irish Red Cross services fall under three categories: First Aid and Rescue, Community Support, and Youth.
First Aid and Rescue
Our First Aid and Rescue section provides training and upskilling from basic First Aid up to EMT level. Our trained Unit Volunteers provide First Aid event cover at a variety of public events such as concerts, sporting events and festivals. We also have specialised Rescue Teams located in Glen of Imaal in Wicklow (Mountain Rescue) and Lake Corrib and Mask (Lake Rescue).
Community Support
Our Community Support section enables volunteers to help in their local communities. Roles for Community Support volunteers include assisting the Community Transport Services, Refugee Supports, providing Carers’ Handbook, Therapeutic Care, Skin Camouflage and Psychological First Aid.
Youth
The Irish Red Cross Youth (IRCY) includes all of our members aged 4 to 25. Local Branches who have Youth groups* offer a wide range of age-appropriate activities and training courses covering topics like health and hygiene, first aid, personal development and humanitarian education.
Irish Red Cross Youth offers our young volunteers the opportunity to learn skills and make friends. Each year we hold national youth events to bring our young volunteers together to network and share ideas.
*Please note that not all Branches currently have a youth group. You should check with the branch you are interested in joining before applying.
The Application Process
The first step in joining is to contact your local Branch. You can find your local Branch using the map below.
Once you have identified your local Branch, please contact the Branch Secretary at the email address listed on the map. They will be able to provide more information about local Branch activities, services, and any volunteering opportunities available.
As each Branch meets at different times and on different days, the Branch Secretary will be able to provide up-to-date information. This will help you decide if the Branch is a good fit for you before joining.
How to Join
After you have contacted your local Branch and decided you are ready to join, you will need to complete a membership application form.
We have two application forms:
It is important that you contact your local Branch before sending any membership application forms to Head Office.
The membership team is here to assist you during your application and beyond. Please contact us by email at membership@redcross.ie or by phone on 01-6424600 if you have any queries.
Membership Renewal
Membership renewal for this year is free of charge. For members looking to renew, please log in to the membership portal here.
If you need your membership number to log in, please check your membership card or contact us at membership@redcross.ie.
Garda Vetting
The following Irish Red Cross volunteer and staff roles are subject to vetting under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012, as amended. Any person who applies for or currently holds one of the roles listed below will be Garda vetted:
IRC National Safeguarding Manager
IRC National Safeguarding Committee (NSC) Member
IRC National Youth Officer
IRC National Youth Working Group Member
IRC Youth Leader
IRC First Aider
IRC EMT / Paramedic / Advanced Paramedic
IRC Nurse
IRC Medical Officer
IRC Therapeutic Hand Care Practitioner
IRC Skin Camouflage Practitioner
English Teacher for Gazan Children
If you require Garda vetting, please download the relevant Garda Vetting Pack and contact your local Branch Authorised Vetting Verifier to complete the process. You can find your nearest Branch using the Branches Map below.
Who Can Act as a Branch Authorised Vetting Verifier?
A Branch Authorised Vetting Verifier holds one of the following IRC volunteer roles:
- Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer
- Unit Officer, Youth Officer, Community Support Officer
Proof of Identity Requirements
To complete the Garda vetting process, you must provide the Authorised Vetting Verifier with original proof of:
- Valid photographic ID, showing your current name and date of birth
- Proof of current address, issued within the last 6 months and including your name and address
The Irish Red Cross is required to keep copies of your ID for National Vetting Bureau audit purposes. Therefore, the Authorised Verifier will take a copy of your ID and submit it — along with your completed NVB form — in a sealed envelope addressed to: IRC Garda Vetting Team, 16 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, D02 XF85.
All submitted documents will be securely stored in folders with restricted access, limited exclusively to specifically authorised IRC personnel.