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

This a wonderful opportunity to have a shared living experience with other co-workers and the residential students for whom we care. You will be joining a Camphill Community that has world-wide affiliations

You will support our students who have a range of additional support needs in the residential houses, in the day services workshops, the gardens, around the estate and out in the wider community of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

You will receive free accommodation and food, plus a monthly allowance

You will have an opportunity to learn as well. You will be able to join our Induction Training and our practice learning programmes. The practice learning programme is comprised of one-hour weekly sessions, visits to other centres, and occasional specific training sessions and lectures. First Aid, epilepsy, manual handling, food hygiene, health and safety and adult protection courses are also provided to all co-workers. A full year's attendance entitles volunteers to a certificate which can be very useful as you move on to your next job or university/college learning placement.

You will receive regular, monthly supervision and support sessions from the House Coordinator.

There is ample time off for you to experience the wonderful attractions in Aberdeen and beyond and to explore the breath-taking Scottish landscape.

Some of our international volunteers make life-long friendships with other volunteers and some volunteers return regularly to support the community when they can.

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.