I’m interested in group volunteering – what do I do now? Expand Please contact our Volunteer Manager on [email protected] or 01273 426492 who will start the process of organising your tailored group volunteering project. You can also have a look at our Group Volunteering Information Booklet.
What sort of experience should we expect from a Group Volunteering project with Concordia? Expand Concordia is part of a network that prides itself on intercultural exchange through volunteering. Your contribution is not only made by the actual work you do, but also by just you being there. In many of our projects, the local host and communities don’t have the chance to meet people from abroad. The fact that a group of international volunteers decides to spend their time supporting a local cause helps the local organisations that are promoting these activities tremendously. You can expect to be taking part in lots of intercultural activities with local young people, visiting the local area and learning about the local culture. Finally, Concordia is happy to organise trips to nearby major cities or attractions during your free time.
What are the requirements for a group to join? Expand We take groups aged 14 years upwards. With the group there should be at least 2 adults that will act as leaders accompanying the young people. We expect the leaders, or the organisation that is behind them, to select the participants according to their criteria and to make sure that the volunteers are motivated and ready for the trip overseas.
When is the best time to approach Concordia if I’m interested in sending a group overseas? Expand We normally ask groups to allow a 12-month build up period, so that we can contact our international partners and select the best destinations/projects for you. Depending on the brief you give us, it usually takes time to identify the best project for each group. Please note that due to the way our overseas partners work we cannot always confirm your precise project details until a few months before the project starts. These projects are not off-the-shelf projects, but tailored to the needs, composition and interests of the group as well as trying to meet a real need in the local community.
How long does it take to receive detailed information about the project for my group? Expand If you are going on a project in the summer, normally by the September of the year before we would send you a project proposal with an outline of the project, which includes the country, information on the international partner organisation hosting the project, location of the project, approximate dates, general background information about why a project is being proposed there, outline of work and intercultural activities, accommodation, leisure activities, budget/costs per volunteer. Final details of the project usually are given 2-3 months before the actual start of the project, after Concordia has visited and risk assessed the project.
What is included in the Group Volunteering price? Expand The fee charged for group volunteering projects not only includes a registration fee, but also includes the costs for travel (international and local), food and accommodation during the project, leisure activities, intercultural activities, recruitment and training of Concordia leaders, risk assessment of the project by Concordia, training sessions for the group leaders and participants, visas and admin costs of both Concordia and our partner organisation. Also, Concordia has a 24 hour emergency contact available while the project is running.
Are the Concordia Leaders members of staff or volunteers? If volunteers, do they pay the same fee as the group to go on the project? Expand Concordia leaders are volunteers with experience in leading groups of young people in residential projects. Their food, travel and accommodation costs are covered by the fees paid by the group as part of Concordia’s costs.
How does Concordia select their leaders for the projects? Expand Our leaders are selected mostly among our pool of experienced leaders of UK international projects who’ve been supporting our organisation for several years. We also recruit volunteers who have a proven track record of successfully leading residential projects for young people, preferably overseas. We organise a training/selection weekend for all our leaders where we assess their skills and potential and make sure that they are the best leaders for each group. Each group leader will be subject to a DBS check.
As contact person for the group and adults going on the project with them, what role do I have in the run up to the start of the project? Expand Your role will be: selecting your group participants, giving us the brief of what project you are looking for working with Concordia to fine tune the project details as the preparation goes along passing on the information provided by Concordia to the volunteers meeting Concordia for a briefing/training organising training for the group in cooperation with Concordia and according to the needs of the group providing Concordia with all the information needed about the group (consent forms, visa documents, passports), liaising with Concordia at the end of the project for a final evaluation.
What sort of support does Concordia provide before, during and after the project? Expand Pre-departure we will assist you with: Organising flights Sorting VISAs Discuss with you your training needs and arrange training sessions for you and your group You are also welcome to call or email the team with any questions or queries. During the Project: Concordia Leader for extra support 24 hour emergency contact and support After the Project: De-briefing with your leaders & volunteers Listening to your opinions on the project – what was great and what could be improved Updating you with feedback from the individuals you assisted on the project – we know how important it is that volunteers feel they have made a lasting impact
How do we know that a project is safe for the group? Expand A representative from Concordia will visit the projects to carry out a full risk assessment of the accommodation, work, transport and leisure activities. We also liaise with our overseas partner to get up to date information about the projects. Concordia also check with FCO advice on the country.
Do you have any testimonials about the previous groups and their experience? Expand Yes! Here’s what Girlguiding CYMRU says about their experience with Concordia: “Working with Concordia and their international partners on projects overseas, has given our girls the opportunity to discover and grow by helping make a difference to communities around the world whilst gaining valuable life skills and promoting cross cultural learning. Girlguiding’s values empower girls through fun, friendship, challenge and adventure to find their voice, inspiring them to discover the best in themselves and make a positive difference in their community and working with Concordia has certainly provided the help and support to accomplish these values and I would without doubt warmly recommend working with them to accomplish your goals!”
What about vaccinations? Expand You should always check whether you need certain vaccinations to enter the country where your project is taking place. Please visit the NHS website where they have up to date travel vaccine information.