Gap Year Volunteering

Care

Why choose a care placement?

Care placements are hugely challenging, always varied and incredibly worthwhile. A placement will most likely be at an orphanage, special needs centre or care home, where you can take on a diverse range of roles to suit the environment.

Care will never leave you bored – there’s always something to do, contact hours are extensive and it’s extremely important work – you’ll be able to see for yourself the difference you’re making.

What will you do?

It depends on the circumstances. In an orphanage, you take on the role of parent, teaching the kids what their Mum and Dad no longer can. There aren’t any special skills required here – you could be showing a child how to tie their shoelaces or brush their teeth – but you’ll be surprised how quickly they learn!

Your day might also involve playing, washing and dressing the kids, trips out of the orphanage, sports, cooking and first aid. In a care home or special needs centre you will be doing similar jobs, adapted for the needs of the people in the home.

In all settings you’re likely to be able to work with a range of ages, abilities and backgrounds, so each different person you care for will be their own individual challenge. Staff at these centres are often very overworked so you’re likely to be able to get involved in administration and fundraising for the facility too – a great skill to add to your CV.