Special Needs Support

Support Individuals with Disabilities! In many European countries, disabilities still represent a struggle in accessing citizenship, education, and decent work. The Special Needs Support program in Croatia provides individualized care, making a huge difference in the lives of people living with disabilities.

Join the Special Needs Support Program in Croatia! Volunteers assist in care centers for adults with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities, helping them integrate into their communities and live less stigmatized lives. You’ll work alongside local staff and volunteers, engaging in a variety of outdoor and indoor activities that promote physical well-being, creativity, and emotional support.

Whether it’s leading outdoor adventures like beach walks, bicycle tours, and animal farm projects, or engaging in creative indoor fun such as arts, crafts, and cooking sessions, your contributions will make a significant impact. You’ll also assist with physical therapy exercises, provide companionship and care, help prepare and serve nutritious meals, and support daily living tasks such as cleaning and personal care. No prior experience or training is required.

 

 

What to Expect:

  • Outdoor Adventures: Lead activities like beach walks, bicycle tours, and animal farm projects, bringing joy and excitement to those you support.
  • Creative Indoor Fun: Engage in arts, crafts, and cooking sessions, fostering creativity and skill development in a fun and supportive environment.
  • Physical Therapy Assistance: Help with physical therapy exercises, contributing to the physical well-being and progress of individuals with disabilities.
  • Companionship and Care: Provide companionship and care, building strong, supportive relationships and offering emotional support.
  • Meal Preparation: Assist in preparing and serving nutritious meals, ensuring everyone receives the nourishment they need.
  • Daily Living Support: Help with cleaning and personal care tasks, making daily life easier and more comfortable for those you support.

 

 

Daily Tasks:

  • Lead Outdoor Activities: Organize and participate in beach walks, bicycle tours, and animal farm projects.
  • Facilitate Creative Sessions: Guide participants in arts, crafts, and cooking activities.
  • Support Physical Therapy: Assist individuals with their physical therapy exercises.
  • Provide Companionship: Spend time with individuals, offering emotional support and care.
  • Prepare and Serve Meals: Help in the kitchen with meal preparation and serving.
  • Assist with Daily Living: Support with cleaning, personal care, and ensuring a comfortable environment.

 

 

Why Join?

  • Make an Impact: Support individuals with disabilities to improve their quality of life and integration into the community.
  • Gain Experience: Develop valuable skills in special needs care and community support.
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience life in Croatia while making a positive difference.

 

Ready to Support Individuals with Disabilities?

Special Needs Support Special Needs Support Special Needs Support Special Needs Support Special Needs Support Special Needs Support

Included

  • Airport pickup on Sundays, straight to your accommodation
  • Stay in a socially or environmentally impactful hostel—female, male, or mixed dorms
  • Access to a common room and free Wi-Fi!
  • Three meals a day—veggie, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options available upon request
  • Orientation on arrival: culture, volunteering, program details, and safety
  • We’ll hook you up with an impactful non-profit project and handle the coordination
  • Guided city tour with top tips for exploring
  • Ongoing support throughout your stay
  • 24/7 emergency support, just in case
Book now

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!

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.

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.