Introduction
If you’re looking for a hands-on ESC experience where you can directly support communities and see the real impact of your work, this opportunity in Northern Portugal is a strong match. Hosted by the Portuguese Red Cross in Cucujães, this project places volunteers in dynamic, field-based roles across multiple community services.
From supporting food distribution and logistics to working with elderly people, rehabilitation centres, and educational environments, this experience is highly practical and action-oriented. Every day brings different tasks, making it ideal for volunteers who enjoy active work and real responsibility.
📌 Activity Dates
17 August 2026 – 18 December 2026
📅 Application Deadline
29 March 2026 (23:59)
👥 Eligible Countries
🇦🇹 Austria 🇧🇪 Belgium 🇭🇷 Croatia 🇨🇾 Cyprus 🇨🇿 Czechia 🇩🇰 Denmark 🇪🇪 Estonia 🇫🇮 Finland 🇩🇪 Germany 🇬🇷 Greece 🇭🇺 Hungary 🇮🇸 Iceland 🇮🇹 Italy 🇱🇻 Latvia 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein 🇱🇹 Lithuania 🇱🇺 Luxembourg 🇲🇹 Malta 🇵🇱 Poland 🇷🇴 Romania 🇸🇰 Slovakia 🇸🇮 Slovenia 🇪🇸 Spain 🇸🇪 Sweden
🧩 Activities & Methodology
🚑 Supporting logistics and operations of the Food Bank
👵 Assisting in elderly nursing home activities
♿ Supporting rehabilitation centre services
🚜 Participating in activities at a pedagogical farm
🌿 Engaging in environmental initiatives
🚐 Supporting transportation of vulnerable people
🤝 Working in team-based community actions
🎯 Objectives
💙 Support vulnerable groups and community wellbeing
🤝 Promote social inclusion and solidarity
🛠️ Develop practical, real-world skills
🌍 Encourage active citizenship and responsibility
📈 Enhance personal and professional development
🏠 Accommodation & Food
🏡 Shared fully equipped apartment (Wi-Fi, kitchen, bedding)
📍 Located within walking distance of work sites
💶 Monthly allowance: €330 (food and personal expenses)
🚐 Transport support provided when needed
💸 Financial Conditions
💶 Monthly allowance: €330
🏠 Accommodation covered
🏥 Health insurance provided
✈️ Travel costs reimbursed according to ESC rules
✈️ Travel
✈️ International travel reimbursed
🚐 Local transport supported when required
🎓 Certification
📜 Youthpass certificate provided
🛬 Arrival & Departure
📍 Vila de Cucujães, Oliveira de Azeméis, Portugal
🗓️ Full participation required for the entire activity period
🎓 Training During the Activity
🎓 On-the-job practical training with Red Cross team
🌍 ESC national training sessions
🗣️ Access to online Portuguese language course
📈 Opportunities to develop additional skills
✅ Participant Profile
⚡ Reliable and responsible individual
🏃 Comfortable with physically active, hands-on work
🤝 Team-oriented but able to work independently
🌍 Open to new environments and challenges
💡 Motivated to learn and step outside comfort zone
🎯 No prior experience required
🗣️ Working Language
🗣️ English (working language)
🗣️ Portuguese (basic level helpful)
📝 Application Method
Apply via the European Youth Portal using the project code.
📎 Application Link
🌐 Official Page
https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/50576_en
⚠️ Important Notice
1️⃣ Source of Information
This announcement has been prepared based on the information provided by the project coordinator.
2️⃣ Responsibility for Content
The project coordinator is solely responsible for the accuracy, details, and updates of the opportunity content.
3️⃣ Right to Modify or Withdraw
Coordinating organisations reserve the right to make changes after publication — including dates, activity details, or application deadlines — or to withdraw the announcement entirely.
4️⃣ Disclaimer of Liability
YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for any such changes, updates, or cancellations made by the project coordinators.
💡 Final Note:
All listings are shared for informational purposes only. Please always verify details directly through the official project coordinator or programme website before applying.
