Presence that heals
As an ESC volunteer in health and care, you work with elderly people, people with disabilities, people in palliative care or public health-oriented organisations. You are not medical staff — you are a human presence that complements and relieves professionals.
6–12 mo
Typical duration
EU + 3rd
Inside and outside EU
€0
Cost to you
Overview
Health & care
Health and care is an area where your presence matters a lot — perhaps more than you think. It is often not about medical interventions but about companionship. Reading aloud to an elderly woman. Being a swimming buddy for a man with intellectual disability. Holding the hand of someone whose life is drawing to a close.
Projects exist in care homes, day activities for people with disabilities, hospices, low-threshold clinics for vulnerable groups, organisations working on public health or HIV prevention. Some specifically work with younger people with mental health challenges.
It is an area that requires mental stability. You sometimes encounter illness, ageing and death. The host organisation provides supervision and support, and you never work alone in heavy situations. But it is important to reflect honestly on whether you have the resources for it.
Activities
What you actually do
Elderly care
Companionship, reading aloud, walks, community activities at care homes or with isolated older people.
Disability support
Assist in day activities, accompany on outings, be a swimming buddy or fellow participant in leisure activities.
Palliative care & hospice
Be a quiet presence for people at the end of life. Substantial supervision and support included.
Low-threshold clinics
Help at clinics working with homeless people, people with addiction or undocumented people on health matters.
Public health work
Inform on sexual health, mental health, addiction or vaccination — often in schools or at events.
Youth mental health
Support organisations working with young people suffering from anxiety, depression or social isolation.
Skills
What you develop
For you who
This area suits you if...
- ●You who are considering a future in healthcare, social care, psychology or public health.
- ●You who have mental stability and self-awareness.
- ●You who are not afraid of the physical, the fragile, the human.
- ●You who want to meet life in its full breadth — including ageing and endings.
Practical
Practical information
Duration
6–12 months. Some palliative projects require at least 9 months to build continuity with patients.
Languages
Local language is often essential — relationships are built in conversation. English rarely takes you far in daily care.
Requirements
Mental stability and self-reflection are important. Criminal record certificate often required. Experience caring for close family members is a plus.
Health & care
Contribute to wellbeing — public health, elderly care, disability support, palliative care.
Other areas
Explore more areas
Social work & inclusion
Support people in vulnerable situations and contribute to a more inclusive society.
Migration & integration
Help newcomers find their place in a new society — language, culture, rights, everyday life.
Education & youth
Inspire the next generation — in classrooms, youth centres, informal learning environments.