Cyrenians has two residential communities. Each community has up to eight residents aged 16-30, who come to live in the communities as a result of being homeless. Volunteers are peer mentors to the community residents. Volunteers and residents live within our community facility. It’s hard work and very challenging, but a memorable experience.
Volunteers are peer mentors to the community residents and do not substitute the work of paid staff. Volunteers and residents live within our community facility and manage the day-to-day domestic tasks and decisions within the
building, which is their home. The process of being involved in decision-making empowers residents and helps to develop their confidence, skills and abilities. We endeavour to create equality between community members (residents and volunteers), but volunteers must note that the young men and women who come to live here come as a result of their need for support. Volunteer support for a
resident may include:
- Accompanying a resident to the job centre
- Helping a resident to cook a meal for the whole community
- Acting as a sounding board for a problem or difficult situation
- Offering mature and calm guidance
Volunteers should be aged 18-30 years. Because the project is working with vulnerable people, there are very specific criteria. Interested volunteers will get the full information upon request.
All accommodation and food costs are met by Cyrenians.
£30 per week
You will need to apply for a Temporary Work (Charity Work) Visa, Please be aware that this has replaced the Tier 5 Charity Work Visa. The application fee for this Visa is £298 and you can stay up for 12 months. To apply for this Visa you will need a Certificate of Sponsorship which will be provided by IVS at a cost of £25.
Volunteers must have appropriate health insurance, arranged either through the SCI sending organisation or independently. Proof is required: without this volunteers will not be accepted. Separate travel insurance will be also required.
As part of your Temporary Work (Charity Worker) visa you’ll need to pay a Immigration Health Surcharge if you’re staying for more than 6 months.
As the post involves working with vulnerable young people, volunteers will need to obtain a letter or certificate of approval to confirm that they are fit
to work with young people. Acquisition of this form of approval will vary from country to country. Holiday allowance at the three-month stage and contribution towards travel expenses to the community when you first arrive.
- Find a project that interests you in our Open Projects
- Find your local organisation in your country of residence using our branch locator
- Get in touch with them with details about the project(s) you want to apply to. They will become your sending organisation.
- Any issues? Contact us!
