Community Support
Join our Community Support program in Porto to help foster resilience and well-being. Engage in diverse activities like preparing meals, sorting donations,etc. directly contributing to the support of those facing life's challenges.
Community Support plays a crucial role in fostering resilience, inclusivity, and collective well-being in Portugal. For those facing houselessness, migration, limited access to social services, economic instability, inadequate housing, or unemployment, the path to dignity and stability is steep. That’s why a network of organizations work together to provide comprehensive support in areas such as food, social services, health, clothing, and living conditions, where you will take part!
What to Expect:
- Diverse Engagement: Assist various initiatives providing different types of support to address community problems.
- Hands-On Activities: Participate in daily challenges and help make a difference for those in need.
- Community Impact: Contribute to fostering resilience and inclusivity within the community.
Daily Tasks:
- Preparing Meals.
- Sorting Donations:
- Community Center Activities: Support activities at local community centers.
- Homeless Support: Join teams at restaurants serving homeless people in Porto.
- Donation Baskets: Make and distribute baskets of donated goods.
Why Join?
- Make a Difference: Directly contribute to improving the lives of those in need.
- Gain Experience: Develop skills in community service and support.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience life in Porto while supporting the local community.
Ready to Build Inclusivity and Independence?
Included
- Pick up at the international airport in Porto & transfer to the accommodation on Sunday
- Accommodation at a centre-located hostel in female or mixed dormitories. Bed sheets are provided. Shared use of common spaces and free WIFI
- Three meals a day everyday: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Local style. Vegetarian, gluten-free and meals for lactose-intolerant are also available upon request)
- Orientation event on arrival (including introduction to Portugal and its culture, volunteer experience, overview of programs, practical information, safety guidelines)
- Guided city tour and the best tips to discover the city!
- Allocation and coordination of a work placement in an impactful non-profit project
- Introduction on the first day of volunteering
- Ongoing support throughout the stay
- 24h/7 emergency support by phone or personally
- Limited coverage civil liability insurance.
FAQ
What is the minimum age to participate in this program? 18+
The minimum age to participate in this program is 18 years.
Do I have to pay money for volunteering?+
You are not paying for your volunteer work itself but for your stay with us overall. The costs for your program further include various elements that are part of your stay such as your accommodation, food, transportation from the airport, guided city tour, local coordination and 24/7 support for emergencies. Check the "Included" section of the program you want to choose for complete information!
How and when do I need to pay for my volunteer program with ImpacTrip?+
The payment of your volunteer program is done by bank transfer. We will kindly ask you to pay 50% of your bill at the time of your booking to secure your spot! The other 50% will be due at least one month before your arrival!
What is the accommodation like? Could I stay in a private room?+
Depending on the program, in most cases, you will stay along with the other volunteers in dormitory-style rooms. Private rooms may be available at your accommodation as well for an extra cost.
Can I cook in the accommodation?+
Yes, the hostel has an eqquiped kitchen where you can cook yourself with the only condition of cleaning everything used afterwards.
How much money should I bring to my program?+
Once you've booked your program, be sure to reach out to your local coordinator to get the scoop on the cost of living in your destination—it can differ quite a bit! And don't forget to budget for public transportation, emergencies, airport drop-off, snacks, fun activities, and a bit of local shopping. Happy planning!
How many people will be I be volunteering with?+
Depending on your program and project, you might be joined by other ImpacTrip volunteers, but usually, you’ll either be on your own or with local volunteers. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with locals and immerse yourself in the community and its lifestyle!
In case of need, how do I get health care?+
All volunteers must arrive with private health insurance that covers the costs of any health service that may arise in their program destination.
With this insurance you can be treated at any private or public medical center. The medical expenses will be paid by you and when you return to your country you will have to present all the invoices to your insurance so don't forget to budget medical emergencies.
In the case of European volunteers, to facilitate the process, it is advisable to come with your European Health Card.
Do I need to speak the local language?+
No, you don't need to have any previous skills in the local language! All of our programs are run entirely in English and our guides and staff are all comfortable speaking English as well. However, we always encourage our participants to get acquainted with some of the most basic terms and expressions, as even just a simple "Good morning!" in the local language can be a great icebreaker to start interacting with the locals! There are also language lessons available for volunteers that can be booked before or upon arrival.
Will I have time for some sight-seeing as well?+
Of course! We want you to really get to know your natural and cultural surroundings and will provide you with useful tips and tricks that will help you discover the location of your stay like a local.
Your shifts will generally last between 3 and 5 hours per day and will take place either in the morning, in the afternoon or in the evening, which will leave you with plenty of free time to go explore, take a stroll around your surroundings, catch the most important sites, interact with the locals or simply go and relax! And of course, you will have your weekends off as well!
How and when do I get my volunteer certificate?+
You can request your volunteer certificate to ImpacTrip or the local coordinator at the end of your program.
