Helping People with Special Needs

location
8 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Below average response rate

Highlights

  • Placement with the leading organisation of supported accommodation for people with special needs in Ireland
  • Cultural immersion in a local community environment
  • Highly experienced staff and project mentor

Highlights

  • Placement with the leading organisation of supported accommodation for people with special needs in Ireland
  • Cultural immersion in a local community environment
  • Highly experienced staff and project mentor
  • Warm and friendly atmosphere!
  • Diversity of volunteer activities


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Help people with special needs to live a life of their own choosing and get immersed in the Irish culture.

    CTL Ireland collaborates with a well-established organisation that operates over 20 centres in Ireland to support people with special needs. The organisation provides a range of support services to people with both physical and mental conditions. The aim of the organisation is to provide ...

    About the program

    CTL Ireland collaborates with a well-established organisation that operates over 20 centres in Ireland to support people with special needs. The organisation provides a range of support services to people with both physical and mental conditions. The aim of the organisation is to provide quality, person-centred services, which facilitate people with disabilities to live a life of their own choosing. CTL collaborates with different projects across the country. 

    Many of the residents have long-term physical disabilities. These disabilities do not prevent service users from leading independent lives in the community. 


    These projects aim to provide volunteering opportunities that are fulfilling and engaging and allow volunteers to use their skills and talents to the greatest effect. All volunteers are trained before they begin to provide support and are valued for the time and effort they contribute. Volunteers will get to know a wide range of different service users who are aged 35 to 80.

    Volunteer work:

    People with disabilities at the project benefit from the involvement of the volunteers because they have opportunities to engage in social, recreational and community activities. As part of the programme, volunteers interact with every resident to agree how as volunteer they can support the resident as a person with a disability. 


    The volunteer will be involved in different activities that take place for the residents inside and outside the home. They will:

    - accompany people visiting family and friends

    - go on shopping trips

    - go to evening entertainment like cinema and pub

    - Assist with the in house programme which includes, Bingo, Art Classes, Table Quizzes etc...

     

    This helps the service users to socialise and integrate into the local community. In addition, residents are always grateful for help with small things like writing letters, tidying up, sitting and chatting etc.

     

    Volunteers can also be involved in personal care if they wish to do so. Personal care would involve helping with eating, helping with dressing, washing and beauty routines, this would be done only with the presence of a staff member.

     

    Volunteers work 5 days a week, shifts vary from 10.00am – 16.00hrs, 14.00hrs – 20.00hrs (subject to change) etc… Volunteers can choose their days off, and staff will try and accommodate the best they can.

     

    Volunteers will be given guidance by staff around how best to work with vulnerable adults and how to support people with their specific disability.

     

    All volunteers are trained to use all relevant equipment for their role.  They would gain an insight into the skills necessary to communicate with people with disabilities. They would also discover the limitations that people with disabilities face, and learn how to support them through enablement, that is, supporting them without further disabling them, by encouraging them to do what they can for themselves


    There are usually 1 to 4 international volunteers at the same time at the project and a large number of local staff; there will also be other international volunteers in other projects from the same organisation in other host communities with who they can link and meet during their free time.

    The projects are looking for friendly, open-minded, mature and team-focused volunteer with a genuine interest in working with adults with disabilities.

    Location:

    Various location around the country, contact us for more details


    Typical day

    7.45 Breakfast

    8.30 Volunteer work starts, activities include:

    • Socialising with residents
    • Going out with residents for shopping, restaurant or cinema
    • Assisting residents in playing games, using computer
    • Optional: helping with cleaning, cooking and personal care

    15.30 Volunteer work ends

    Fr

    Typical day

    7.45 Breakfast

    8.30 Volunteer work starts, activities include:

    • Socialising with residents
    • Going out with residents for shopping, restaurant or cinema
    • Assisting residents in playing games, using computer
    • Optional: helping with cleaning, cooking and personal care

    15.30 Volunteer work ends

    From 15.30 onwards: free time (includes dinner on site)


    Free-time activities

    During their free time, volunteers can discover nearby towns and the surrounding picturesque countryside. Most of the volunteers also use their free time to explore other locations such as Kilkenny, Belfast, Galway and the wild West coast of Ireland.

    Free-time activities

    During their free time, volunteers can discover nearby towns and the surrounding picturesque countryside. Most of the volunteers also use their free time to explore other locations such as Kilkenny, Belfast, Galway and the wild West coast of Ireland.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    CV, medical certificate and criminal background check

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Volunteer need to have a genuine interest in working with adults with disabilities and should preferably have some previous experience of community or social involvement in their own community.Volunteers need to be friendly, open-minded, flexible, outgoing, mature and team-focused. An intermediate level of English is required.

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by CTL Ireland

    Cost Includes:

    • Pick up on arrival
    • 1st night in hostel shared accommodation in Cork city
    • Orientation day with CTL Ireland staff
    • Transfer to project
    • All Meals from day 2
    • Accommodation at project
    • Ongoing support from project mentor
    • Assistance and back up support from CTL Ireland staff
    • 24/7 emergency support
    Return transfer not included.

    Airport Pickup at Cork Airport

    Pick up is included for participants arriving in Cork airport. Participants arriving in another airport will be provided with all necessary information.

    Accommodation

    On their first night, volunteers are staying in a hostel in Cork city (dorm room). From day 2, volunteers are living on the project facilities. They usually have their own bedroom which is comfortable and spacious and have access to Wi-Fi internet on site. Bedding, towels, basic toiletries, hairdryer, laundry and cleaning products are provided. 

    Food & Beverages

    Food is provided by the project. Volunteers can avail of the main meal and "evening tea" prepared in theproject. Volunteers sometimes have the possibility to cook their own meals 
    Drinks include tea, coffee, milk, tap watter
    Food include meat/fish, vegetables, bred, cereals etc. Vegetarians are welcome.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Cork Airport (ORK) in Cork. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ireland. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Ireland provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Ireland you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Ireland. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    2025 start dates (arrival dates)

    January 6th

    January  27th

    February 17th

    March 10th

    April 7th  

    April 28th

    May 19th

    June 9th

    June 30th

    July 7th

    July 28th

    September 8th

    October 6th

    November 3rd



    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    8 weeks (min. stay) 2,045€
    9 weeks 2,170€
    10 weeks 2,295€
    11 weeks 2,420€
    12 weeks 2,545€
    13 weeks 2,670€
    14 weeks 2,795€
    15 weeks 2,920€
    16 weeks 3,045€
    17 weeks 3,170€
    18 weeks 3,295€
    19 weeks 3,420€
    20 weeks 3,545€
    21 weeks 3,670€
    22 weeks 3,795€
    23 weeks 3,920€
    24 weeks (max. stay) 4,045€
    Average fees 212€/week

    Program fees

    212€ per week 8 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    8 - 24 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with CTL Ireland during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    CTL Ireland

    Perfect 4.6 rating (16 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2017

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Below average response rate

    Coordinated by

    Mallory

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    CTL Ireland is an Irish based organisation committed to promote responsible volunteering in local projects in Ireland.

    Meet your organization

    Who we are & what we do

     CTL Ireland – the Center for Travel and Learning - is an Irish based organisation committed to promote responsible volunteering in Irish communities. Our staff has years of experience supporting international volunteers and placing them in local projects. We are driven to provide a positive and sustainable impact alongside our local partners. Our volunteer programs involve an immersion within local communities and the Irish culture. The programs allow participants contribute their skills and energy to support local projects in achieving their goals. Programs are also designed to encourage participants to learn and reflect on their experience. We support individuals and groups all throughout their program, from the orientation workshop until the final evaluation. All volunteers start their program in friendly and vibrant city of Cork before joining their host project.

     Why volunteering in Ireland?

    • Safe
    • Friendly
    • English speaking
    • Strong sense of community
    • Huge social & environmental challenges despite the economic growth
    • Rich and diverse culture
    • Wonderful landscapes
    • Attractive excursions and activities during free time
    • Easy access through air travel
    • Youngest population in Europe

    Ireland is a wonderful country; it is safe, friendly, English speaking, rich in heritage, history and culture. From vibrant, exciting cities to spectacular countryside – it’s a magical place to visit. It’s also a wonderful place to stay and immerse yourself. The best part of an experience in Ireland is probably connecting with local people. Visitors find Irish people friendly, welcoming and very supportive. As an Irish saying goes: “there are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t yet met.” We are proud to promote Ireland abroad as the exciting, beautiful and welcoming country that it is.

    Ireland may be a “developed” country but the country is also facing huge social and environmental challenges. Despite the economic recovery, Ireland remains a hugely unequal society. There is in Ireland a strong sense of community with many inspiring initiatives taking place at local level. CTL Ireland selects very specific community based projects where participants can have an authentic and worthwhile experience.

     Meaningful local projects

     We have carefully selected a number of host projects which provide participants with worthwhile and challenging volunteer work programmes. Our projects are focused on making a positive impact in local communities. Projects include:

    • Centres for people with disabilities
    • Farms promoting sustainable food production
    • Charities supporting the most vulnerable people
    • Women empowerment projects
    • Summer camps with children
    • Homework clubs with refugee children
    • Arts Centres promoting the Arts and creativity in the community

    Our commitments

    • Selection of projects which positively impact the community
    • Worthwhile volunteer work programme
    • Comprehensive orientation on arrival
    • Ongoing support from project mentor
    • Back-up support from CTL Ireland staff
    • 24/7 emergency support
    • Risk Management and Emergency Procedures in place
    • Affordable fees including pick up in Cork Airport, transfer to project, accommodation and food

     Who are we looking for?

     Immersing yourself in a new culture and volunteering in a local project is a challenging experience! We are looking for people with the following characteristics:

    • Willingness to adapt to a different culture
    • Hard working
    • Genuine desire to contribute to positive change
    • Flexible and patient
    • At least an Intermediate level of English
    • Participants must be over 18 years old when programme starts

    16 reviews · rating4.6

    Laure Kaspar rating5

    2023 at Helping People with Special Needs

    Highly recommended . The staff are open, supporting and very flexible. All residents UNIQUE with different modes of communication. If you like nature and welcoming people Ireland is definitely a country to visit. Laure Kaspar from ...
    Simon Hackelsberger rating4.6

    2023 at Helping People with Special Needs

    If you are looking for some enjoyable and wholesome experiences with welcoming and loving people this is it! Where I was the accommodations allowed for privacy and the staff was very supportive, trying to make everything possible for ...
    Marco Fornai rating4.6

    2024 at Charity Shop Helper

    The organization with CTL Ireland worked really well, i found the welcome and the orientation workshop very interesting and useful to understand the meaning of the volunteering activity. I worked in Sue Ryder Charity Shop in Clonmel, it has been an excellent experience; inside the shop i had the ...
    Elizabeth Pippin rating3.2

    2024 at Charity Shop Helper

    My trip to Ireland and the 8 weeks I lived there was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life! I loved working in the Charity Shop, the older volunteers whom I worked with are amazing human beings, I fell in love with each of them! I loved connecting with the clients who came in to shop. As ...
    Jules Sabahi rating5

    2023 at Charity Shop Helper

    I think I changed a lot there and I became more independent and sure of what I was worth. Irish people are all very nice and enjoyable because it changes a lot with other European countries. Moreover, there are such outstanding touristic places in Ireland that deserve to be visited. Finally, ...
    A great experience with CTL Ireland. A very good welcome on my arrival in Ireland, with a day to prepare for the 3 months of living in a foreign country. CTL was always on hand to check up on my stay. As for the centre where I volunteered, it was 3 months of fun with a great team. I was made very ...

    Location

    Europe > Northern Europe > Ireland > Newbridge

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