Health & care
Contribute to wellbeing — from public health work and prevention to palliative care.
Health and care is a broad and deeply meaningful area within ESC. As a volunteer you do not work as healthcare staff — but as a human resource who makes a difference in the gaps: the reassuring presence, the conversations that professionals don't have time for, the activities that strengthen recovery and quality of life. Projects are often connected to the Red Cross, hospices, psychosocial organisations or public health initiatives.
What do you do as a volunteer?
What might it look like?
Morning at the hospice
You sit by the bed of a man who can no longer speak. You hold his hand and read aloud from his favourite book. His daughter thanks you at the door. You understand why you are here.
The health circle
You lead a movement group for elderly people with depression. Nothing advanced — some stretching, a walk and conversation. But the three who otherwise never leave their rooms are here today.
Youth mental health project
You facilitate a workshop on stress and anxiety with secondary school students. You share something of your own. The room breathes easier afterwards.
Skills you develop
Basic psychosocial first aid
Communication in difficult and emotionally charged situations
Public health perspectives and health-promoting work
Ethics in care and healthcare
Teamwork in professional care environments
Example projects in Europe
These are examples of real types of ESC projects. Current vacancies can be found on the European Youth Portal.
Rode Kruis Vlaanderen
Psychosocial support for lonely elderly people in Ghent. Home visits, conversation and activities. One of the simplest and most important things you can do.
Caritas Wien
Hospice volunteer in Vienna — presence and support for the dying and their families. Demands maturity and is life-changing.
Peaasi.ee
Digital mental health and youth project in Tallinn. Produce content, organise events and work against the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Does this sound like you?
Search for projects in health & care directly on the European Youth Portal.