ESC: Urban Act 2026 - Individual Volunteering Long Term
Code: 52878 Copied
Portugal
European Voluntary Service
Social work
Environment
Education
European Voluntary Service
Social work
+2
Fixed dates
About the project
ESC: Urban Act 2026 - Individual Volunteering Long Term
📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Youth Coop is a non-profit and social-solidarity cooperative for the empowerment and awareness of young people. It works locally and internationally, acting in Citizenship and Human Rights Education, Youth Participation, and Youth Work using Non-Formal Education methods and community-oriented approaches.
MISSION
Empower youth and youth structures by developing initiatives to support personal, social, and cultural development, focusing on citizenship education, intercultural learning, and a community-centred approach.
VISION
To be a reference for quality in Youth Work, contributing to developing the full potential of young people and inspiring a generation for a better society with higher levels of civic participation, tolerance, and inclusion.
We target young people between 13 and 30 years old and integrate young people with fewer opportunities whenever possible.
We work at a public community centre in Agualva-Cacém (Portugal) called “Centro Lúdico das Lopas.” Most of our activities focus on seeking a local impact within the Sintra area.
💼 What the programme involves
The Urban Act 2026 long-term volunteering opportunity is designed for those who wish to immerse themselves in the daily life of a local organization, gaining hands-on experience in the implementation of community-driven educational projects that promote environmental sustainability and the circular economy. Volunteers will work side by side with the technical team, actively supporting the management and logistics of a wide range of activities. From preparing materials and organizing workshop spaces to coordinating schedules and engaging with local stakeholders, this role provides a comprehensive understanding of project operations in a community-based setting. A central component of the program is the delivery of practical workshops and upcycling sessions, led by YouthCoop, covering a variety of materials such as wood, textiles, and plastics. The activities take place across multiple dynamic environments, including CircuLar - Casa da Economia Circular, schools and community centers.
🏠 Accommodation on site
Volunteers will be offered a private single room within an ecological community setting. Full meals are provided throughout the duration of the program. A local transport pass is provided, granting volunteers unlimited access to the entire Lisbon Metropolitan Area. Volunteers are covered by accident insurance for the full duration of their stay. Additionally, during all workshop and hands-on activities, participants are provided with individual protective equipment (such as gloves, safety goggles, and appropriate gear).
🎒 Leisure activities
Initial Onboarding and Orientation; Circular Economy and Sustainability Training; Portuguese lessons; Practical Upcycling and Making Skills; Ongoing Mentoring and Reflection
⚠️ Requirements
The Participant profile: Aged between 18 and 30 years old;
Open to all genders and backgrounds;
Available to commit to a long term stay in Portugal.
Interest and Motivation:
Genuine interest in environmental sustainability, the circular economy, and community development;
Curiosity about upcycling, creative reuse, and hands-on making;
Enthusiasm for learning and contributing to local ecological initiatives.
Skills and Qualities:
We are not seeking candidates with specific formal qualifications or prior professional experience. Instead, we value personal attributes and a willingness to engage, including:
A genuine liking for manual work and crafts—enjoying working with hands, tools, and materials;
Self-motivation and autonomy—the ability to take initiative and work independently when needed;
Strong organizational skills—being well-structured, reliable, and able to manage tasks effectively;
A natural affinity for social and community contexts, particularly the ability to connect with and engage children and young people;
Adaptability, teamwork, and a positive attitude in dynamic and sometimes challenging urban environments.
Deadline: 04/07/2026 00:31
Deadline: 04/07/2026 00:31
ℹ️ Additional information
The project is implemented under the European Solidarity Corps Programme, financed by the European Commission.
The participating organisations have to be mindful of these needs as they are responsible for providing a respectful and trusting hosting environment. At the same time, the organisations participating in the initiative devote a great deal of time, energy and resources to set up a high-quality activity; they should therefore expect that European Solidarity Corps participants show a similar level of respect for the local communities and the people that are directly concerned by the activities (https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/mission_en).
What do we provide ?
Before applying for this volunteering project, you need to enroll yourself at European Solidarity Corps Platform (https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en) and specify your European Solidarity Corps Participant Number (PRN).
This organisation holds a European Solidarity Corps Quality Label.
Contact the ESC coordinator at +32 2 888 67 13 to get more informations.
The participating organisations have to be mindful of these needs as they are responsible for providing a respectful and trusting hosting environment. At the same time, the organisations participating in the initiative devote a great deal of time, energy and resources to set up a high-quality activity; they should therefore expect that European Solidarity Corps participants show a similar level of respect for the local communities and the people that are directly concerned by the activities (https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/mission_en).
What do we provide ?
- Training before and after the project
- Health insurance during your project
- round-trip travel reimbursement
- accommodation and food
- pocket money
- language course
- Return Week-end
- Youth Pass and SVI international Volunteer passport
Before applying for this volunteering project, you need to enroll yourself at European Solidarity Corps Platform (https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en) and specify your European Solidarity Corps Participant Number (PRN).
This organisation holds a European Solidarity Corps Quality Label.
Contact the ESC coordinator at +32 2 888 67 13 to get more informations.
Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.
Sign in to apply📅 Available sessions
PT52878
18/07/2026 → 23/01/2027
Volunteers registered
0 / 2
♂ 0/1
♀ 0/1
Deadline: 04/07/2026
ℹ️ Key information
Age required
18–30 years old
Solidarity donation
0.00 EUR
French tax residents may be eligible for a tax reduction of up to 66% of their costs (membership, plane tickets, solidarity donation).
📍 Location
Agualva-Cacém, Portugal
Portugal
🌍 Location info
Local currency
Euro Member Countries (EUR / €)
Timezone
Western European Summer Time
Local time: 21:26 (12/11/2026)
🛡️ Before you leave
✅ Features
🏠 Accommodation
Collective
🗣️ Languages spoken
English
Portuguese