About the Opportunity
Are you ready to live an authentic volunteering experience in Portugal while supporting local communities? The Portuguese Red Cross – Local Branch of Cucujães (Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa – Delegação de Cucujães) invites young volunteers to join a long-term European Solidarity Corps project in Northern Portugal.
This is a hands-on opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives while living in a peaceful rural setting. Volunteers will work closely with local residents — including the elderly, children, and vulnerable groups — through social, educational, and community-oriented activities.
🕒 Activity Period: 19 January 2026 – 7 August 2026
⏳ Duration: 7 months
🏢 Host Organization: Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa – Delegação de Cucujães
📍 Location: Vila de Cucujães, Oliveira de Azeméis, Portugal
💼 Activity Type: Individual Volunteering
💰 Compensation: 330 €/month (food + pocket money), accommodation, and insurance included
🌟 Project Focus Areas
❤️ Health, wellbeing, and social inclusion
🌿 Environment and permaculture
🏐 Sports and leisure activities
👩🏫 Education and community engagement
🌍 Intergenerational and intercultural solidarity
💡 Volunteer Tasks
✨ Support local community projects and social initiatives
👵 Spend time with elderly people and help organize leisure activities
🍽️ Assist with meal preparation, laundry, and household tasks
🌱 Contribute to a permaculture farming project at a local primary school
🏘️ Help maintain a Pilgrim Shelter and participate in renovation work
🎁 Collect, store, and organize food and clothing donations
🎨 Organize games, educational activities, and cultural workshops
🧭 Ideal Participant Profile
🌍 Aged 18–30 and available for the full project duration
💬 Able to communicate in English (Portuguese is a plus)
🤝 Motivated, proactive, and eager to help others
💪 Adaptable, reliable, and open to teamwork in a rural community
🎨 Ready for hands-on work and willing to contribute personal ideas and mini projects
🏠 Accommodation, Food & Support
Volunteers will stay in a shared apartment (2–3 per room) located within walking distance (10–20 minutes) from the work sites. The apartment is fully equipped with Wi-Fi, bedding, towels, and kitchen utensils.
You’ll receive €330/month for food and personal expenses, health insurance, and transport support when necessary. There’s no air conditioning or heating, so bring appropriate clothing for each season.
You’ll also benefit from on-arrival and mid-term trainings by the Portuguese National Agency, a free online Portuguese language course, and continuous mentoring from the hosting team.
🌍 Why Join This Project
❤️ Support real-life community projects with the Portuguese Red Cross
🌿 Gain hands-on experience in social work and sustainability
🌍 Live in a peaceful village and connect deeply with local people
🎓 Learn Portuguese and develop teamwork, empathy, and leadership
💬 Grow personally and professionally while helping others
🌐 Application Link
Apply now via the official EU Youth Portal:
https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/48741_en
📅 Application Deadline: 2 November 2025
🌍 Eligible Countries
🇧🇪 Belgium | 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | 🇭🇷 Croatia | 🇨🇾 Cyprus | 🇨🇿 Czech Republic | 🇩🇰 Denmark | 🇫🇮 Finland | 🇭🇺 Hungary | 🇮🇸 Iceland | 🇮🇪 Ireland | 🇮🇹 Italy | 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein | 🇱🇺 Luxembourg | 🇲🇹 Malta | 🇵🇱 Poland | 🇷🇴 Romania | 🇸🇰 Slovakia | 🇸🇮 Slovenia | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇸🇪 Sweden
