Live-Volunteer

What's it like?

You will have the opportunity to meet like-minded young people from Europe and beyond and have a brilliant time exploring Scotland too! A life-enhancing and life-changing experience!

We have many different nationalities here at Corbenic – we like to consider ourselves a veritable mini United Nations!

If you choose to come and volunteer for a year at Corbenic you will live alongside the residents in one of the seven houses on the large estate here in Dunkeld. Each house is home to between four and ten residents. You will provide companionship to the residents and day service participants throughout the day and evenings. 

Meals are taken together within the home and residents participate in activities depending on their ability and wishes. During the evenings there are social and recreational activities to be involved in. Your days will involve providing companionship, laughter and encouragement to residents, increasing their confidence and their interpersonal skills.

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Monday to Friday you will accompany residents to their activities which include woodwork, baking, estate work, pottery, craft, farm, gardens and horses.

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The weekends are more relaxed. You’ll be with residents whilst they participate in a number of different activities depending on what the residents want to do.

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Please note that the houses and workshops are ALWAYS staffed with experienced and qualified employees. Your volunteering will ALWAYS be supervised by the EMPLOYED staff. Whilst volunteers assist with some personal care and support tasks, they are not involved in the administration of medication, resident finances or care planning. At night time volunteers support a fire evacuation rota on some nights in the house they reside in, however, staff are on the rota in each building to lead fire evacuations and support any other resident needs that may arose during the night. Staff are also responsible for liaising with social workers, health professionals, families and legal guardians.

What's life like at Corbenic?

As in all Camphill communities the cultural life is strong and diversity is celebrated, not least through the range of multi-cultural and inter-faith festivals, which are celebrated throughout the year. Many of our cultural activities involve preparation for them with drama, singing and music. There are regular trips to concerts, theatre and the cinema, and occasionally visiting artists, musicians and actors.

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You are asked to bring sufficient clothes for winter and summer use and for working out of doors (waterproof clothing is essential) as well as clothing suitable for evening and weekend activities. If you play a musical instrument, it would be appreciated if you bring it with you.

Living Arrangements

As a live-in volunteer, you will be provided with full board and lodging, although you may be required to share a room with another volunteer. You have two days off per week and will receive basic subsistence allowance. 

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Provided you are 21 years of age and have held a driving licence for 24 months which permits you to drive in the United Kingdom, you will have the use of the volunteer car. To qualify for driving the car you will have to pass an assessment with a qualified driving instructor after receiving tuition.

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How do I get a visa?

We ask you to commit to joining us for a period of one year. This will give you time to settle into the way of life here, become confident in yourself and your abilities and establish meaningful friendships.

If you are coming from overseas, you need to apply for a ‘Temporary T5 – Charity Worker Visa’. 

This currently costs £319

We are able to sponsor your visa application and can support and guide you through the application process.

As part of your visa application, you will need to pay an ‘Immigration Health Surcharge’ of £1035. This will enable you free access to the National Health System in the UK through the local Health Centre throughout your stay, although you’ll still need to pay for certain types of services, such as prescriptions, dental treatment and eye tests