We welcome volunteers from outside the UK and appreciate the cultural richness and diversity this brings to our service.

Some of you will be coming a long distance to volunteer with Vitalise and it might be your first time away from home. It is important to us that you understand what to expect at a Vitalise Centre.

To avoid any misunderstanding, please read the What to Expect page and also read the following information carefully before making firm arrangements.

Important information

Important information for volunteers from outside the EEA (European Union).

Vitalise regret we are unable to accept any individual bookings from people outside the EEA. 

We have arrangements with a small number of partner agencies and can only accept applications made through these agencies.

This position is under review and we will post any changes on our website

Before you book a place at a Centre

1. You MUST be aged 18 years or over.
   
    
2. You MUST have a good working knowledge of the English language. Many of our guests have specific communication needs and understanding their requirements is a very important aspect of the work.
   
    
3. We require a volunteer booking form (including checkable references) to be completed for each individual volunteer. The booking form can be downloaded from the Register to Volunteer section.
   
    
4. You MUST provide an official ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ or ‘Criminal Record Certificate’ from the National Police agency of your home country, giving details of any of previous criminal convictions, including those considered ‘spent’. This must be translated into English. If you do not provide this we cannot give you a volunteering place.
   
    
5. When you arrive at the Vitalise Centre, you will be asked to provide additional proof of identity and may be asked to complete an additional (English) Criminal Record Check. If you do not do so we reserve the right to cancel your place. Please check our proof of identity list (word document) and make sure you bring the appropriate document with you.
   
    
6. Long term volunteers are more likely to be involved in care tasks (after further training) and Vitalise therefore recommend volunteers seek advice on health protection against Hepatitis B before carrying out their work. Further information is available from NHS Direct (view the NHS Direct information here) or by contacting the medical teams at the Vitalise Centres.
   
    
7. The usual residential period is for one or two weeks. Please note there are currently NO long term opportunities available at any Vitalise Centres throughout 2009 and we are not yet accepting bookings for 2010. When more opportunities become available we will state this on the website.
    
8. As a general rule we can only work with overseas volunteers on a long term basis if you come to us through a recognised agency.
   
    
9. Your volunteering time can be broken up if you wish to take a break to travel etc. but this MUST be made clear to us at the time of booking.
   
    
10. We will endeavour to book you in at your chosen Centre and on your chosen dates but we reserve the right to change this if necessary. We will inform you of any changes.
    
     
11. We can help with travel costs in mainland UK only (we regret we cannot help with air fares).
    
     
12. A Booking Confirmation letter will be provided but we ask that you make your own arrangements for your Visa if you require one.
    
     
13. If you have to cancel or change your booking for any reason please inform us as soon as possible so we can offer your place to another volunteer.

After you have arrived

1. We will provide all food and accommodation during your time at a Vitalise Centre.
   
    
2. Your accommodation is most likely to be shared in bunk rooms with between two and four volunteers sharing. There are very limited single rooms available. Bed linen, washing facilities and showers are provided.
   
    
3. The working routine for all Vitalise volunteers is very demanding. Short-term (between one and four weeks) volunteers can expect to be on duty for around 14 hours a day, although you will get some time off! Some duties involve more relaxing 'social' activities, which we hope are enjoyable for volunteers too, but you must be prepared to work long hours. Longer-term volunteers (after an initial two week orientation period) will be given two days off each week and will work reduced hours.
   
    
4. We regret that pocket money for subsistence can only be provided if you are volunteering through a recognised volunteer placement agency.
   
    
5. If you take travel breaks away from the Centres, you do so at your own expense.
   
    
6. Luggage can be left / stored at no cost at the discretion of the Centre Manager, and if there is space available.