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Volunteering with children with multiple disabilities

Volunteer at a children’s day hospital where you will support children with severe disabilities. Volunteers will help design activities, create crafts, and assist children aged 3 months to 10 years in engaging with their environment. They will also contribute to a material bank that provides essential resources for families. Volunteers will primarily support underprivileged children in a neighborhood facing poverty and vulnerability, working alongside social workers, medical professionals, and other NGOs in Barcelona.

Spain

country

1-8 Weeks

duration

from $955

price

18 years+

min age

Support children with severe disabilities!

Join our volunteer team at the children’s day hospital, where you’ll play a key role in promoting adapted activities, stimulating children, and helping them engage with their surroundings to grow joyfully despite their challenges.

Collaborate with professionals to design your own games, create adapted crafts, and have fun while caring for babies and children aged 3 months to 10 years. You’ll also assist with the material bank, providing essential resources for families with children facing multiple mental and physical disabilities.

Poverty and vulnerability are major issues in our local partner NGO’s neighborhood. As a volunteer, you will primarily support underprivileged children by offering them engaging, fun activities while assisting social workers and staff members. We work closely with local medical and therapeutic services, as well as other NGOs in Barcelona, to provide advice and collaboration opportunities.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Volunteers in the program generally perform the following tasks –

Assist with the logistical support for the NGO’s activities, including food, therapies, excursions, and events
Organize educational materials and spaces
Plan and prepare recreational and educational activities and games
Handle communication and fundraising efforts
Provide support for families of children and babies
Prepare meals and cook for the community
Ensure cleaning and disinfection of safe spaces

Volunteers will work 35 hours per week, from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a one-hour break each day. Weekends are free for exploring the city of Barcelona!

Requirements & eligibility

Volunteers in this program should be adaptable, patient, and maintain a positive outlook. Participants must be at least 18 years old when joining. A willingness to embrace new environments and a flexible mindset are essential for success in this role. Volunteers are also required to submit a clean criminal background check before starting the program. A basic to intermediate level of Spanish is necessary for participation, and a background in special education is considered a valuable asset.

Volunteer work schedule

A typical day

Day 1, Sunday: Upon arrival at the airport (for flights landing between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM), a volunteer from the team will meet you and assist you with settling into your room and designated space.

Day 2, Monday: Start your experience with a welcome interview with your project coordinator, an introduction to your workspace, and an overview of the NGO’s mission, focusing on severe multiple disabilities. You will also meet the volunteer team, attend a Spanish class, and participate in a climbing class.

Day 3, Tuesday: Visit to the hospital for a meeting with the medical team and an introduction to the children. You’ll attend your first training session on multiple disabilities and assist during lunchtime. In the afternoon, you’ll help facilitate planned activities such as crafts, dance, and a treasure hunt. The day concludes with a meditation workshop.

Day 4, Wednesday: Engage in guided volunteering with the children and assess the adaptability of the planned activities. Enjoy lunch at the NGO with fellow volunteers. In the afternoon, attend training on the NGO’s operations, a Spanish class, and a personal development workshop.

Day 5, Thursday: Continue with guided volunteering and the planned activities with the children. Lunch at the NGO with other volunteers. In the afternoon, assist in preparing the materials needed for upcoming activities.

Day 6, Friday: Participate in guided volunteering with the children and planned activities. Lunch at the NGO with other volunteers. In the afternoon, take part in a workshop on emotional intelligence and community actions.

Saturday and Sunday: Free days to explore and enjoy Barcelona.

Gallery

Life on the programme

Living

Accommodation & meals

Airport Transfer
The project site is in Barcelona, Spain. When you land in Barcelona, a local representative will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign that says your name and will take you directly to your accommodation. Airport pickup is provided between 10am – 6pm on the program arrival date, which has to be Sunday.

Orientation
Participants are given an induction on arrival and welcome interview in the next few days to be able to plan the volunteering and the program.

Accommodation and Meals
Participants are accommodated in a sustainable hostel or a shared, same-gender apartment, depending on availability and length of stay. Private rooms may be available for an additional cost. All accommodations include shared kitchens and bathrooms.

Food is provided throughout the program. Volunteers collaborate to plan and prepare meals together, with lunch typically prepared and shared communally. Breakfast, dinner, and snacks are self-managed by participants using the ingredients supplied. The project covers basic, healthy, and nutritious food items, with additional support from a local food bank.

Local Transportation
Participants typically use the Barcelona Metro to travel between their accommodation and the project site. The metro system is reliable, affordable, and well-connected across the city.

During your Free Time
Barcelona is one of the world’s most vibrant and visited cities, offering a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. The local team can provide guidance on places to visit, eat, and explore. Volunteers are also encouraged to organize their own outings.

For weekend trips, the Costa Brava—just 1.5 hours from Barcelona—offers beautiful coastal towns such as Cadaqués, Platja d’Aro, and Tossa de Mar.

Volunteer work takes place in the Nou Barris district, an area known for its diverse immigrant community, where many residents face socio-economic challenges. This provides participants with an opportunity to make a meaningful local impact.

Dates

Start dates

Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.

AvailableFilling fastFully booked

Costs

Program fees by duration Currency

A one-off application fee ($249 / £179 / €229 / AU$350) is charged in addition to the program fee — valid for one year, during which you may enrol in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.

Duration	Program fee
1 week	$955
2 weeks	$1,555
3 weeks	$2,155
4 weeks	$2,675
5 weeks	$3,235
6 weeks	$3,755
7 weeks	$4,140
8 weeks	$4,500

Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.

✓ What you're paying for

Pre departure Information and Support
Airport pickup in Barcelona during scheduled hours
Accommodation in hostel or shared apartment
Meals
Orientation/Induction on arrival
Training in Community Building
Complete pedagogical material
Spanish classes
Workshop
NGO internal exam and certification process
In-country support
Project equipment and resources
Personal Coaching & Mentoring

Not included

Airfare
Local Transportation in the city
Touristic visits
Personal Expenses and items
Return Airport Drop

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Application & getting started

When should I apply?

Apply as soon as your dates are decided — spots are limited. The application fee is valid for a full year, so you can apply early to secure your place.

How do I apply and when do I pay?

Fill in the online application form and pay the application fee. The program fee can be paid later, even in instalments, but must be complete 45 days before the program starts.

What are the requirements?

Participants must usually be at least 17 (families welcome with younger children), with an open mind, good health and respect for local customs. A clear criminal background check is required from all adults.

Accommodation, meals & support

Where will I stay and what about food?

You stay in a volunteer house or with a host family, with meals provided. Private-room upgrades are usually available.

Is there support while I'm there?

Yes — a local coordinator gives you an orientation on arrival and is available 24/7 throughout your placement.

Health, safety & visa

Do I need insurance and vaccinations?

Valid travel-medical insurance is mandatory (available from us at a nominal cost). Consult your travel doctor for recommended vaccinations; your pre-departure pack covers the details.

Do you help with the visa?

Yes — all enrolled participants get visa-requirement information in the pre-departure manual, and your point of contact can answer questions.

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