Volunteer as a Camphill Co-worker in Ireland

  Ireland

Durations of Program: 3-6 months, 7-12 months, 1-2 years and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Dates: one year commitment

Description: In our community we work together to create an environment that encourages each person to develop his or her full potential and volunteers play a very important role. Volunteers help us with the day to day care of adults with special needs, which may include physical care, emotional support, or simply companionship. You may be asked to help us maintain our houses, cook meals with veg from the organic garden, or help out in one of the workshops (especially the garden and weavery). The contribution volunteers make to our cultural life bring diversity and an every-changing dynamic to our community life. We are situated on 50 acres with four households, an organic farm and garden, and a weavery. We are in the process of developing new workshops and ideas are welcome!

Highlights: Volunteering in Camphill offers a rich social and cultural experience. We are situated in a lovely rural setting in Co. Tipperary within cycling distance to a traditional pub (for fans of Irish music). Our community is part of a network of Camphill Communities in Ireland and we offer an Introductory Course for all volunteers in the area where you can learn more about life and work with people with special needs while meeting other international volunteers in the area. We are within walking distance to a bus stop, and just about half-way between Dublin and Cork for those who wish to travel while they are here. We are about 20 minutes by bus from Callan, where there is the excellent KCAT center for the arts. After completing one year voluntary work in the community, volunteers may enquire about being supported to join KCAT for a second year, either part-time or full-time.

Qualifications: An interest and enthusiasm for working and living with adults with special needs is essential.

Cost in US$: free

Salary / Pay: Volunteers receive free room and board as well as 50 euro per week stipend. Those staying longer than six months also accrue 'holiday money' for use during vacation time, to purchase tickets home, etc. Volunteers staying longer than three months receive a medical card entitling them to free basic health and dental care.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Typical volunteers are over the age of 18 and open to a variety of tasks. Most volunteers come for one year to experience a different culture and experience life in a community with adults with special needs. Those who are a bit older and with more life experience are welcome to take on more responsibility according to their skills, such as taking responsibility for the management of a household, helping with accounts, liasing with other agencies, etc.

Age Range: 18 and up

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ireland Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 1-8

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Phone Interview
• Resume

Camphill Community Grangemockler's Mission Statement: The Camphill Movement, which was founded in 1940, works to create communities in which vulnerable children and adults, many with learning disabilities, can live, learn and work with others in healthy social relationships based on mutual care and respect.

Year Founded: 1988