Welcome to the SOS Volunteer Helpdesk!

The SOS Volunteer Helpdesk offers information and advice to any young person interested in the European Voluntary Service (EVS), the Action 2 of the YOUTH programme. The SOS Volunteer Helpdesk serves as an additional contact point, being a backup for advisors, counsellors, mentors and volunteers.

The support offered by the SOS Volunteer Helpdesk includes:

• Basic information on activities with the European Voluntary Service (EVS),
• General support in finding further information on potential EVS project partners and contact points at European and national level,
• Target group oriented support for EVS project development,
• Individual advice and counselling for EVS volunteers prospecting, during the project or after having completed their services.

The SOS Volunteer Helpdesk Website

This website is set up by the staff of the SOS Volunteer Helpdesk. We are experienced in working with EVS. We know what it is like to be abroad. We know the project reality and have some clue of the ups and downs while being in EVS project work.

We provide you with first hand information about EVS activities, what is behind this scheme, where the projects take place, what the conditions to participate are, what needs to be done before departure and upon arrival. We offer links to relevant institutions, bodies, associations and documents. Do not hesitate contact us us for more information, or if you wish to share feedback of any kind.

The Volunteer Helpdesk is part of the SOS Services based at EACEA, the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency placed in Brussels, Belgium. EACEA is responsible for the management of certain parts of the EU's programmes in the fields of education, culture and audiovisual.

What we can offer...

EVS � How it all works
What is EVS? Where to do EVS? How to proceed? Ready to go? Found a project? Remember: it is only a start... Off you go but remember...

FAQ � Frequently asked questions on EVS
What is the age limit to participate? Where can projects take place? Where to get contact details of organisations? Do I need to know the language of my hosting country? Do I need to have specific skills? What are my rights and responsibilities as a volunteer? Who can help me for visa problem?

The European database of approved EVS host placements
Voluntary service in Reykjavik or Sofia, Narvik or Coimbra, in Tallin or Vigo, in youth centres, in national parks, in residential care, in neighbourhood projects...

Volunteers wanted!
Host organisations currently looking for EVS volunteers.

Placements for volunteers with disabilities
Host organisations for European volunteers with disabilities.

Volunteer's Mobility
Hints and tips for leaving your home country and arriving in the host country.

Ex-volunteers associations in Europe
Information, contact details and links on associations of ex-volunteers across Europe.

Useful links
EVS and other Actions of the YOUTH programme, international voluntary organisations, organisations supporting young poeple with fewer opportunities, European youth platforms.

Future Capital � What to do after the service
Opportunities for project work beyond the service period, support to follow-up and continuity.

Supporting documents
Some documents related to European Voluntary Service and its implementation.

Contact the SOS Volunteer Helpdesk
How to contact us, where to find us?