The volunteers should above all be open to work with disabled people. They should be interested in this kind of work and be open for new experiences. Previous experience is not necessary. It would be a bonus if they have creative skills such as music, dance or other arty hobbies.

The volunteers are integrated into the communal lives of the groups. This begins with assisting the handicapped people to get up in the morning, get washed and dressed and accompanying them to breakfast with the carers. On the one hand the people with the handicap should be given their own space, according to their individual needs, on the other hand they should be supported through rhythmically repeated activities such as singing, playing an instrument or acting in role-plays as well as carrying out routine household tasks. All this should lead to a measure of stability. The volunteers are in-volved in all these joint activities and should help the handicapped to give domestic life substance and rhyth; apart from helping the handicapped with their daily routines, the volunteers should make creative suggestions, encourage them to create their own activities, and take part in organising and running group activities especially at the weekends.

By hosting volunteers a whole new window of opportunity has been opened in the way in which handicapped people are supported. Every volunteer comes with their own experiences, knowledge and specific abilities. This is a great advantage for both us and the people who are handicapped. We view the European Volunteer Service as an excellent way for young people to have either a meaningful career or just gain an insight into the caring profession. In addition we are looking for contact to people from other cultures, who could benefit our organisation.
The volunteers should be employed in such a way, that they can work within their own parameters. This should give them the freedom to personally try out any areas of social behaviour, communication and personal development they wish without any pressure. Our employees will support the volunteers on this path.