People willing to help - and also organisations in need of support - are being encouraged to sign up to a new online volunteering platform, designed to support vulnerable people in Maitland during the pandemic.

Jenny Aitchison MP, Member for Maitland, says volunteers are being empowered to provide welfare checks, deliver supplies and offer essential transport to vulnerable people through a new online platform linking community members with charities, NGOs and councils.

"The pandemic is placing a significant strain on volunteer-driven organisations who support vulnerable members in Maitland, and many require more people to help meet demand," Ms Aitchison said.

"This platform allows you to register your details online and an organisation in your local area will get in touch and offer volunteering opportunities when they arise."

The NSW Government has partnered with the Centre for Volunteering to develop the platform, which is also operating in Victoria and Western Australia.

"Volunteers are such an important asset in our communities and in times of need they are the ones who rally around each other and do whatever is needed to support those struggling," Ms Aitchison said.

"I encourage any organisation in need of assistance, and any person willing to give up their time to help someone else, to register online today."

For more information and to register, visit emergency.volunteer.org.au.