Lithuania: ESC: Volunteering. Adults with mental disabilities

About the local hosting organization

Our purpose is to provide social support and to help people. Our activities are based on professional social help and community-based social initiative.GOALS:• Analyse the community’s resources, identify the most important social needs and provide social services to various target groups in the community;• Encourage people to solve their problems more actively, helping them develop mutual assistance and cooperation;• Encourage people to share their own resources, create good conditions for them to engage in voluntary activities and support social initiatives of the parish;• Take care of the training, personal development and professional competence improvement for social workers and volunteers;• Seek mutual cooperation between the social support institutions in the parish territory;• Encourage public spirit and strengthen non-governmental sector activities.Main ACTIVITIES:DAY CARE CENTER VAIKAI – VAIKAMS – help for 7–12 year-old kids and their parents who experience difficulties.TRANZITAS – help for 12–14-year-old kids and their families who experience difficulties.TRAMPLINAS – long-term programme for 14–20-year-old people who experience difficulties.SOFKĖ – social work on the street with young people.ATVIRA BENDRUOMENĖ – integrated social help for people with intellectual and complex disabilities and for their families.FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM – help by providing food to those who lack it.COMMUNITY EVENTS – organizing holidays for the parish.VOLUNTEERING – rallying and supporting local and international volunteers.

Presentation of the programme

Our “Open Community” supports 21 adults with intellectual disabilities, focusing on their independence, social skills, and inclusion in society. As a volunteer, you will assist in daily activities, join educational, cultural, and leisure events, and accompany participants to outings, helping create a meaningful and supportive environment. We value your ideas and initiative, and you will be supported by a friendly team, included in community life, and invited to trainings and team activities. This experience is about building real connections, contributing to well-being, and growing together.

About the accomodation

Project provides a travel costs reimbursement from volunteer country of residence to Lithuania and back home after the project. The amount of reimbursement depends on the distance between sending and hosting countries. Volunteer will live in a shared apartment together with other volunteers, but in separate rooms. All the utilities are going to be payed by the organization. Volunteers are going to be provided with monthly amount of food and pocket money and a local transportation monthly ticket.

About the leisure activities

Volunteers take part in several trainings to support their journey. Before departure, a preparatory session is held by the sending organization. Soon after arrival, the Lithuanian National Youth Agency offers on-arrival training. Midway through the project, a mid-term seminar brings volunteers together to reflect, share experiences, and recharge. Depending on the home country, some volunteers join training after returning home. Throughout, a tutor supports daily activities and a mentor helps reflect on the international ESC experience.

Requirements

The Participant profile: We don’t expect you to have previous experience or a specific educational background. Strong English skills are not a must—what truly matters is your openness and heart. What we care about most is the relationships you build with the people in our day center and your genuine care for their well-being. Every shared moment—listening, laughing, learning together—creates connection and meaning. We’re looking for volunteers who are curious, communicative, and ready to grow through real human relationships. This experience is as much about your personal journey as it is about supporting others. You should be ready to stay in Lithuania for the full duration of the project, be between 18 and 30 years old, and not have taken part in a long-term EVS or ESC project before. Motivation and a clear reason why you want to join are what truly make you stand out.Deadline: 30/06/2026 23:05