Special Needs Support
Individualized care makes a huge difference in the lives of people living with disabilities. In this program, you will help less privileged individuals gain access to the outside world, enriching their lives through creative and enjoyable activities.
Join the Special Needs Support Program in Greece! This program is dedicated to providing individualized care for people living with mental or physical disabilities, whose access to the outside world has been limited. The program takes place in a serene environment surrounded by nature, just a breath away from the beach, where the activity center is located alongside their school, kitchen, laundry, and playground.
As a volunteer, you will be responsible for helping children and young adults spend their time in a creative and enjoyable way. You’ll work closely with a team of local staff and volunteers to organize and run a variety of activities, both outdoors and indoors. These activities include swimming at the beach, playing sports, organizing cinema and bowling visits, as well as conducting arts and crafts workshops, cooking sessions, and supporting social integration efforts.
No previous experience or training is required to participate in this project. However, you will need patience, enthusiasm, and a willingness to build trust with the individuals you support. Your role will be crucial in helping them find their own ways of communication, often overcoming language barriers.
What to Expect:
- Creative Activity Support: Help children and young adults engage in creative and enjoyable activities that enrich their lives.
- Outdoor Activities: Organize and participate in activities such as swimming at the beach, sports, and outings like cinema and bowling visits.
- Indoor Activities: Lead arts and crafts workshops, cooking sessions, and other indoor activities that promote creativity and skill development.
- Social Integration Support: Assist in activities aimed at improving social skills and integrating individuals into the community.
- Collaborative Environment: Work alongside local staff and volunteers, contributing to a supportive and inclusive environment.
Daily Tasks:
- Support Outdoor Activities: Help organize and participate in beach outings, sports, and visits to the cinema and bowling alleys.
- Lead Indoor Workshops: Conduct arts and crafts, cooking sessions, and other indoor activities that foster creativity and engagement.
- Promote Social Integration: Assist in activities that encourage social interaction and integration into the broader community.
- Engage with Participants: Spend quality time with children and young adults, building trust and finding effective ways to communicate.
Why Join?
- Make an Impact: Improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing access to enriching activities and social opportunities.
- Gain Experience: Develop skills in special needs care, activity planning, and social integration.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience the natural beauty and culture of Crete while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Minimum Duration: 4 weeks
Ready to Help Individuals with Disabilities Access the World?
Included
- Pick up from the Athens airport & transfer to the accommodation on Sundays (from 7am to 10pm only). There is an extra cost for pickups before or after this schedule.
- Accommodation at a female or mixed-gender shared room in a hostel. Shared use of common spaces, and free WIFI
- 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 Greece and its culture, volunteer experience, overview of programs, practical information, safety guidelines)
- Guided city tour in Athens
- The best local tips to discover the country!
- 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 personally or by phone
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.
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!
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.
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.
