What is European Solidarity Corps?

The European Solidarity Corps is an initiative which gives a chance to young people to learn and gain new skills through full-time voluntary work in a foreign country as well as to be actively involved in creating a more open, inclusive and welcoming society, which is attentive to those in need.

You can read more about ESC on the European Commission website here.

European Solidarity Corps in Peter McVerry Trust

Peter McVerry Trust has been hosting international volunteers under the European Voluntary Service and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programmes for 10 years. Every year we welcome 3 young people age 18-30 on 12 months volunteer placements.

The role of the ESC volunteers is to help young people with their daily living skills. Support in this area is a vital building block to achieving independence and autonomy for our homeless community. Due to the nature of the work and the participant group we work with, we are seeking volunteers who are interested in working with disadvantaged individuals and can see both the support that is needed as well as the potential that people have.

For more information about becoming an ESC volunteer with Peter McVerry Trust please email esc@pmvtrust.ie

For those volunteers who are interested, excited and energised by working with the most marginalised in society, you can apply now to volunteer on our programme for a duration of 12 months – starting date September 2021.

Download and complete the application form here and submit it via email at esc@pmvtrust.ie

European Solidarity Corps Infogram

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where will I live?

• Peter McVerry Trust provides accommodation to all ESC volunteers.

Do I need to have experience in working in the homeless sector?

• We don’t expect our volunteers to have experience in the homeless sector. However, we look for volunteers who present interest in the issue and are open to work with people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Can I take time off during my placement?

• Yes, as part of the programme you are entitled to two days off for every month you volunteer with our organisation. If you volunteer for 12 months, you are entitled to 24 days off.

Do I have to be registered on the European Youth Portal to take part in this project?

• Yes, every person applying for the project has to register on the European Youth Portal, where they will be given their personalised ID number.

Do I need to have a sending organisation?

• Every volunteer applying for the programme has to find a sending organisation in their home country, which will support you with your preparation for the ESC programme.

Will I have a chance to meet other ESC volunteers?

• There is a large ESC community in Dublin. You will have a chance to meet volunteers from other organisations during your on-arrival and mid-term training, as well as get to know volunteers from other homeless charities which Peter McVerry Trust works with.