🇵🇹 ESC Volunteering in Portugal ❤️ Red Cross Food Bank Elderly Care and Permaculture Work 🌾

Description

Only available for Italians - Spend 8 months volunteering for the Red Cross in Portugal! This European Solidarity Corps project offers hands-on experience in community engagement and direct interaction with vulnerable target groups of the population. Volunteers support a range of activities, including logistics at the Food Bank, activities at the elderly nursing home and rehabilitation centre (for people recovering from addictions), activities at a local primary school and permaculture farm. Volunteers also have the chance to be involved in activities connected to pilgrim shelter, environmental initiatives and local fundraising events. Tasks are varied and practical. This is a role that better suits people who prefer staying active and working in the field rather than sitting behind a desk.

Accommodation, food and transport arrangements

Volunteers will live in a private apartment with shared bedrooms (2 people per room) with other international volunteers. Accommodation costs, utilities are fully covered and the apartment is fully equipped with necessary applicances, bed linen and towels. Volunteers will receive monthly pocket money and food allowance according to ESC regulations (currently approximately 340€/month). Travel costs from and to the home country of the volunteer will be covered according to the ESC programme rules.

Training during the activity

The volunteers will take part in the On Arrival Orientation (2 days) and in two Trainings organized by the Portuguese National Agency (On Arrival Training and Mid Term Training). Volunteers also receive on-the-job support and training on their tasks and they will take part in monthly group activities to develop soft skills and personal competences. An online Portuguese language course is also provided, along with opportunities to learn additional practical skills depending on volunteers interests and suggestions.

Participant profile

We are looking for motivated young people from Italy, aged 18–30 who are available for the entire project period (project dates are from 11 January to 13 August 2027). We are looking for young people who are practical, comfortable with physical tasks. People that can work well in a team but also manage tasks independently when needed. No previous experience is required - what matters most is the willingness to learn and to adapt to a new environment.

Activity details

Activity type

Individual volunteering

Activity dates

From 11/01/2027 to 13/08/2027

Location

Rua do Mosteiro 2445, Vila de Cucujães, Oliveira de Azeméis, Portugal

Deadline

21/09/2026

Project code

2025-1-PT02-ESC51-VTJ-000346249

Topics

Looking for participants from

Many countries can apply. The activity takes place in one location, 🇵🇹 Portugal.