The Red Cross in Iceland runs 4 shelters for the mentally ill. Those are Vin in Reykjavík, Dvöl in Kópavogur, Lækur in Hafnarfjörður and Laut in Akureyri. The aim of the day centers is to socially integrate, otherwise isolated, mentally ill people, to help them to change their routines and add something extra to their lives. To improve the quality of life, and strengthen physiological, physical and sociological well being of the guests. Furthermore, to help the guests to increase their skills in participation in daily activities.

About the location of the 4 shelters

VIN.
Is located in a big and beautiful old house in the centre of Reykjavik, parallel to the main street of the capital, which has about 100.000 inhabitants. The economy of Iceland is healthy and wealthy and the living conditions of young people are rather good. Education in Iceland is on par with leading nations in Europe and at any given moment around 7000 Icelandic students are studying all over the world, so in general the intercultural experience of the population is high. The language is Icelandic, but English is the foreign language that most Icelanders are able to speak. The cultural scene in Iceland is blossoming in many areas such as music, literature, theater. The city bus system, Strætó, is the cheapest public means of transportation. Bicycle paths are spread all over the city, making it easy and quick to reach all destinations by bike for those who are prepared to bike up and down hills in all sorts of weather; wind, rain, snow and sometimes sun.

DVÖL.
Kópavogsdeild Rauða Kross Íslands is one of the local branches of the Red Cross in Iceland. Kópavogur is Iceland's second largest town, with a population of 30,000. It lies immediately south of Reykjavík and is part of the Greater Reykjavík Area. It is largely made up of residential areas, but has a lot of commercial and industrial activity as well. The name literally means Baby seal bay.

LÆKUR.
Lækur has been open since September 2003, and is run by the Red Cross in Hafnarfjörður. Lækur is a cosy private house situated by a stream that runs through Hafnarfjörður so bird life is variable. Hafnarfjörður is a town of just over 21.000 inhabitants and is one of the surroundings towns of Reykjavík. The town is expanding fast: new residential districts are growing up, as is a new commercial sector. Hafnarfjörður's culture life has many sides. It offers relaxed atmosphere, and varity of both cultural and out-doors activities. Music life thrives in Hafnarfjörður, which has 15 active choirs, as well as school choirs. And contemporary music is booming too.

LAUT.
Laut is run by the Red Cross in Akureyri and is in a small house with a very friendly environment with trees and a little garden. Akureyri is the centre of culture, education and leisure activities in North Iceland. With a population of about 17.200, the town is by far the largest outside the Reykjavík capital area. Akureyri is situated in north-east Iceland, in one of the longest fjords in the country and is surrounded by mountains reaching 1000-1500 m. The Arctic Circle in only 60 km north of Akureyri but still the climate is mild, with summer temperatures up to 25°C and winter temperatures in average around 0?C. The town is a good base for many of Iceland's most beautiful natural wonders as waterfalls, volcanic areas and canyons as well as exciting activities as river rafting, hiking, fishing, whale watching and horse riding.

The volunteer's tasks will be to assist the staff in the shelters taking care of the mentally ill. S/he will be asked to be the extra staff that otherwise would not be hired, a helping hand and a caring friend. It is important to have in mind that the you will be working with sometimes fragile people, people who suffer from mental disorder but do not need to be hospitalized. Having every year someone from a different culture with who the guests can exchange experiences, talk, or break the monotony, and giving young European volunteers the opportunity to work with less fortunate people, that's the sense to host a volunteer at the Red Cross shelters.

Working hours will be from 9 to 16, five days a week and weekend off. Holidays will be given during Christmas, Easter and other holidays in accordance with Icelandic laws and customs. For each month of work, there are 2 days of holiday, so for 6 months voluntary exchange there are 12 days of holiday and for 12 months exchange there are 24 days of holiday. When the volunteer takes his holidays, it is an agreement between the volunteer himself and the project.

The volunteers can expect that during their voluntary stay, they will spend some time in each shelter although they will spend most of the time in one shelter. When applying for a voluntary exchange at the red cross shelters, the volunteers indendify the shelter they prefer to spend the most time. They will never move between shelters unless they have been informed in due time. It is not always possible to work in other shelters or move between them upon request.

The volunteer will most likely live in a flat in the capital area or Akureyri (depending on the shelter) with other AUS volunteers and possibly share a room with another volunteer. It's also possible that the volunteer will live with a Icelandic host family. The volunteer will have breakfast and lunch in the project, and get in addition to that food money for the meals he does not get in the project. The volunteer will receive due allowance (pocket money) on monthly basis and a bus card. The volunteer will receive up to 35 hours of language training on arrival in Iceland. On-going support and training will be provided by the staff and co-workers of AUS-ICYE Iceland, daily training by the staff of the Red Cross shelters and a personal support is given by the volunteer's mentor.

For further information on task in each of the shelters contact us.