Each year, Corrymeela recruits up to 14 people from around the world to live and work together for a period of 1 year at our main residential centre in Ballycastle. We recruit people from diverse backgrounds and with a blend of complimentary skills and experience.
The Long-Term Volunteer programme runs from September to August, therefore volunteers make 12 months commitment to live and work at the Ballycastle Centre and to share in the organisation’s ethos - this commitment is vital and is reflected in some of the responsibilities listed below.
VOLUNTEER TASKSVolunteers help with all aspects of the daily running the Ballycastle Centre such as hosting groups, planning activities, preparing and serving meals, leading and participating in discussions, sharing worship, housekeeping, showing visitors around the centre, reception work, singing, and much, much more!
A visitor’s experience of Corrymeela is largely dependent upon how they are welcomed and cared for during their stay. Volunteers play a vital part in creating a welcoming atmosphere at Corrymeela. They work with and participate in a group’s or individual’s visit to Corrymeela.
Volunteering can, at times, be demanding as the hours may be long and tiring. Equally the experience can be very rewarding. Volunteers will have a strong commitment to spending time with the visitors to the Ballycastle Centre during their stay. The volunteering role requires an ability to work with a diverse range of adults, young people and children, some of whom may be challenging, whilst at the same time being sensitive to their needs.
LIVING IN COMMUNITYVolunteers live in a community house at the Ballycastle Centre and each year they build their own community with the support of Corrymeela. The community at Corrymeela is built on the principles of equity, diversity and interdependence. Living and working in acceptance of our differences has many rewards, but also many challenges. This is the cornerstone of our volunteer programme and all applicants must be committed to sharing in all facets of this journey.
LIVING IN AN OPEN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITYVolunteers live in a community where faith and life reflect important Christian values. During their year volunteers share in our spiritual journey as we seek to make sense of our faith in today’s world – especially in relation to faith and politics in Northern Ireland. It is our hope that volunteers will themselves grow spiritually through the experience.
Engaging in group discussions, sharing our individual perceptions and an openness to learn from others are all essential ingredients. We welcome people of all faiths and those interested in exploring their spirituality. Christian values form the core of our work and focus. Everyone is welcome to lead and attend non-denominational worship which takes place twice daily.
TRAINING AND SUPERVISION
Volunteers will be provided with a structured training programme, as well as individual support and supervision on a regular basis. This includes weekly community building activities, monthly one-to-one supervision to allow for personal reflection and growth, and specific periods of focused training to meet organisational, group and individual needs. Volunteers will also be given the opportunity to enhance their employability and develop their career goals via specific employability training and career guidance during the second half of their year.
COSTS
Corrymeela provides accommodation and a monthly expense reimbursement of £120 to cover incidental expenses. Volunteers from overseas are invited to make a financial contribution towards the programme, but this is not mandatory. We estimate the Centre’s annual cost per volunteer to be approximately £10,000, and we would request that international volunteers contribute £1,000 toward that amount. We suggest that you look for opportunities to fund-raise or find sponsorship, and we will be happy to provide information and materials. We do not expect volunteers to use personal resources.
Email
volunteering@corrymeela.org or phone
+44 (0) 28 2076 2626 for further information on Long-Term Volunteering.