Volunteering

Update – January 2026

Residential Volunteers 2026 are now open, please read on!

Prior to applying, please take time to visit Beannachar website where you will learn more about what we do and how volunteers help us.

Every year we have up to 20 vacancies for International volunteer co-workers to join us for a 12-months placement.

About Volunteering

Volunteering at Beannachar offers a unique opportunity to experience community living while sharing everyday life with fellow volunteers, staff and the people who call Beannachar home. As part of the worldwide Camphill movement, you will become part of a community that values inclusion, mutual respect, learning and shared experiences.

Throughout your stay, you will have the opportunity to participate in the daily life of the community. This may include spending time alongside residents in our homes, workshops, gardens, estate and during community activities in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. These experiences are designed to encourage friendship, cultural exchange and personal growth while contributing to community life.

As part of the volunteer programme, accommodation and meals are provided, together with a modest monthly living allowance to simply cover your day-to-day personal expenses during your stay.

Volunteers will be provided with the encouragement and means to develop new skills and broaden their understanding of inclusive community living. You will be invited to take part in our induction and a range of learning opportunities, including introductory sessions, visits to other Camphill communities and occasional workshops. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to attend awareness sessions covering topics such as First Aid, epilepsy awareness, manual handling, food hygiene, health and safety, and adult protection. Volunteers who complete a full year of the programme receive a certificate recognising their participation and learning.

Throughout your placement, you will have regular opportunities to meet with a Head of Care to reflect on your experience, discuss your wellbeing and receive guidance and support during your time at Beannachar.

There is also plenty of free time to explore Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and the beautiful Scottish countryside, experience local culture and enjoy everything the region has to offer.

Many of our volunteers build lasting friendships with people from around the world, and find the voluntary stay to be fulfilling and life-changing.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Complete and submit the application form and send it to volunteer@beannachar.org

You must be between the ages of 18 and 30 to volunteer with us. If your application is successful, we will let you know that you have been shortlisted for interview. If you do not hear from us within 3 weeks, you may assume your application has not been shortlisted.

1. Shortlisted Applications. You will receive an email if you have been shortlisted for interview and what you can expect in the interview.You will need to provide proof of your identity before the interview can go ahead (passport or ID Card, etc)
2. Interview stage. You will be interviewed by the Care Manager and Volunteer Recruitment administrator. At the interview, you may also ask any questions you may have about Beannachar.
3. Placement Offered -If you are successful at the interview stage, you will be offered a placement and a starting date, subject to providing a medical certificate/letter from your doctor, a criminal record check, and two references.
4. Visa and Entry process for Non-UK nationals. You will need a visa to volunteer in the UK for 12 months. We will issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship and can support you in the visa application process. However, you will need to pay the costs of your visa application fee (£319) and the NHS Health Surcharge (£1,035) and your travel to Beannachar and home. More information about the visa process and costs can be found here: Charity Worker visa (Temporary Work): Overview - GOV.UK

Joining preparations. We will keep in touch and provide further information to assist you in your preparations to join Beannachar.