Volunteering Opportunity with Portuguese Red Cross (Long-Term/ Applicants requiring Visa)
Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa- Delegação de Cucujães
Vila de Cucujães, Portugal
Description
The Portuguese Red Cross – Local Branch of Cucujães is looking for young people between 18 and 30 years old to join a long-term international volunteering project in Northern Portugal. This is a hands-on, community-based role suited for people who are practical, adaptable, and ready to take on a variety of day-to-day tasks. Volunteers will be based in a small rural town and take part in a range of activities that support the local community. This includes organizing games, sports, and educational activities for children and teenagers (some in foster care or living with disabilities), spending time with elderly people, helping with meal preparation and laundry, and supporting leisure activities for people recovering from addictions. Volunteers will also be responsible for helping maintain and clean a local Pilgrim Shelter and may take part in broader community or renovation projects as needed.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
Accommodation is provided in a shared apartment within walking distance (10–20 minutes) from the daily work sites. The apartment is fully equipped (Wi-Fi, bedding, towels, kitchen utensils, etc.), and volunteers share bedrooms. Volunteers receive €330 per month for food and personal expenses. Full health insurance is provided, and transportation is arranged when necessary.
Training during the activity
Training is provided on site (step by step and task support) by the Hosting Organization and also through the Portuguese National Agency ESC (European Solidarity Corps) On Arrival and Mid Term Trainings. Volunteers also have access to a free online Portuguese language course and additional learning opportunities can be offered based on volunteer's interests, needs and on availability.
Participant profile
This is an opportunity only available for those requiring a Visa: selected volunteers must be willing to travel to a Portuguese Embassy in person, in order to obtain long-term volunteering Visa. Costs related to Visa expenses are reimbursed to the volunteers. This is a full-time volunteering position under the European Solidarity Corps program. Volunteers must be between 18 and 30 years old, available for the full duration of the project (19 January to 10 August 2026) and capable of communicating in English language; Proficiency in Portuguese language is a bonus. The selection process is ongoing, and candidates will be contacted by email on a first come, first served basis until all available positions are filled. This is not a desk-based role. The work can be physical but it’s varied and rooted in real-life needs. Volunteers are expected to be reliable, willing to learn, and ready to work as part of a team. Previous experience is not required, but a proactive attitude and openness to working with different age groups and backgrounds is essential. If you are interested in contributing to the Red Cross mission and community work carried out in Cucujães and if you are interested in gaining practical experience, and living in a different culture for several months, we invite you to apply.
Activity dates
From 19/01/2026 to 10/08/2026
Activity location
Rua do Mosteiro 2445, Vila de Cucujães, Portugal
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo * UN resolution, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Ukraine, Türkiye, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova (Republic of), Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt
Activity topics
Social challenges
Health and wellbeing
Physical education and sport
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 22/06/2025 23:59