Danish Delight At Bray Citizens Information Centre

Of course the Danes got there first…

atest press release from Bray Citizens Information Centre, issued on Monday, January 26th 2026…

In a powerful exchange of community-focused ideas, Bray Citizens Information Centre (CIC) recently hosted a delegation from the Library and Citizens Service in Herning, Denmark.

The visit, facilitated by the Citizens Information Board (CIB) and South Leinster Citizens Information Service (CIS), centered on harnessing the power of volunteerism to bridge the digital divide and strengthen vital public services.

With Danish libraries providing frontline support similar to Ireland’s Citizens Information services, the delegation aimed to learn from Ireland’s mature volunteer model. They explored how to effectively recruit, train, and support volunteers who help citizens navigate essential online services, from government forms to social welfare applications.

The visit showcased the Digital Help Service at Bray CIC, an initiative where staff provide in-person guidance to build digital confidence. Susan Ryan, South Leinster CIS Regional Manager, emphasised the irreplaceable value of human connection: “Our service is primarily face to face, which will always remain our priority, as we can see it brings a real benefit to our clients”.

The delegation gained deep insights into the structured yet flexible volunteer programme in Bray CIC, where roles like Information Provider, Form-Filling Assistants, and Receptionists expand community reach. A flexible and comprehensive training programme is available to all volunteers interested in these roles.

The Danish delegation flies the flag Bray JAN26

The collaboration, strengthened through the Erasmus+ mobility programme, was a testament to shared goals. Martina Cronin, Development Manager, stated: “It was a productive day where both organisations learned a lot from each other and it has further strengthened our EU networking”.

The session concluded with a moving testimonial from a Bray CIC volunteer, who shared: “Volunteering at Bray CIC has become the highlight of my week. The variety of my role, as a volunteer information provider, keeps me engaged and constantly learning, providing a practical perspective that complements my legal studies.”

Pernille Schaltz, Head of Citizen Service and Libraries in Herning Municipality, expressed profound gratitude: “Thank you for some very inspiring hours, during which we learned a great deal about voluntary engagement and how a public institution can involve the local community in helping one another. We will take all this new learning back home and continue working with it.”

This international dialogue underscores a growing European movement: empowering communities through volunteerism to ensure no one is left behind in an increasingly digital world.

You can find out more about all of the above, and more, right here, or get in touch your local Citizens Information Centre in Bray by calling 0818076780 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).