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ESC Volunteering

The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is a European Union initiative which creates opportunities for young people to volunteer or work in projects in their own country or abroad that benefit communities and people around Europe. The European Solidarity Corps brings together young people to build a more inclusive society, supporting vulnerable people and responding to societal challenges.

It offers an inspiring and empowering experience for young people who want to help, learn and develop. Dublin Simon Community hosts ESC volunteers for between 9-12 months each year, this is administered by Léargas.

Learn how you can get involved below

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Our ESC Volunteering Programme

What is the age limit to participate in the ESC Programme?

ESC volunteering is open to people between 18 and 30 years.


For details please visit the European Solidarity Corps website by clicking below




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What to expect as an ESC Volunteer at Dublin Simon

ESC volunteers are currently based in our Emergency Housing and Long-Term Housing services supporting the work that we do. ESC volunteers assist in the delivery of social programmes, life skill interventions and meaningful activities for our residents. ESC volunteers are supported through their personal and professional development through the provision of a range of training, support and supervision and mentoring.
What's Involved

How do I sign up to be an ESC Volunteer at Dublin Simon?

In order to become an ESC volunteer you must register with a sending organisation. ESC sending organisations are non-governmental organisations/associations, local/regional authorities or other non-profit initiatives active for example in areas of social, cultural, environmental, community or youth work. You can find a list of sending organisations on the European Youth Portal. You can also email us at FTV@dubsimon.ie for more information.
European Youth Portal

Why join our ESC Volunteer Programme

In-depth induction and on-site training

Guidance and mentoring

TUD accredited Certificate in Volunteering

Food, accommodation and weekly allowance

ESC Volunteer Simona

My name is Chiara, I’m from Germany and am a full-time volunteer at Riversdale, Dublin Simon’s high support accommodation for over 55’s. I wanted to gain professional experience in the social work field before starting college and chose to come to Ireland during my gap year to take part in the volunteer programme at Dublin Simon. The volunteer programme provides useful training courses, covering topics such as addiction and mental health. Additionally, we are encouraged to improve our practical working skills and have the fantastic opportunity to acquire a CPD certificate in volunteering at TU Dublin.

Getting involved in the social activities that are organised at Riversdale such as baking, creative writing and gardening helped me to learn so much about our clients, who come from different backgrounds and have different life stories. As a volunteer at Dublin Simon, I always felt extremely welcome and part of the service team. I consider my fellow volunteers as my second family in Ireland. We support each other, share our cultures, have international brunches, and go on trips together. Over the past few months, I have made unique memories with individual clients and colleagues which I will always remember fondly.

Apply Here

For more information on full-time volunteering contact the volunteer office on (01) 635 4814 or email ftv@dubsimon.ie

My name is Simona, and I chose to volunteer with the Dublin Simon Community because I believe that homelessness is one of the most urgent and unacceptable injustices in our society. No one should be without a safe place to live—yet too often, housing is treated as a privilege instead of a basic human right.
I realised that support isn’t always about fixing things, it’s often just about being present, sharing time, and creating space for people to feel seen and valued.
I would recommend volunteering with Dublin Simon Community. It’s a life-changing
experience. You don’t just help others, you grow personally and professionally. You meet
incredible people, both clients and staff, and you become part of a team that truly makes a
difference in the community.
My name is Simona, and I chose to volunteer with the Dublin Simon Community because I believe that homelessness is one of the most urgent and unacceptable injustices in our society. No one should be without a safe place to live—yet too often, housing is treated as a privilege instead of a basic human right. My time as a volunteer has been a powerful experience. It showed me how essential compassion, consistency, and human connection are when supporting people facing difficult and often invisible struggles. I feel proud to have contributed, even in a small way, to the mission of this organization, and it reminded me that real change often begins with small, everyday actions grounded in respect and solidarity.

Spending time with the clients through shared activities—like cooking together, playing
board games, or creating art—taught me more than I expected. I learned how powerful
small, everyday moments can be in building trust and human connection. Many clients
showed resilience, humour, and creativity despite the challenges they’ve faced.
They reminded me that everyone has a story worth listening to, and that dignity and empathy should always come before judgment. I realised that support isn’t always about fixing things, it’s often just about being present, sharing time, and creating space for people to feel seen and valued.

Sharing a home with volunteers from different countries was truly an incredible journey. It added depth to an experience already filled with challenges, some difficult, yet all
meaningful. Together, we learned, grew, and created moments of real joy. In the end, it's our differences that make us richer.

My favourite memory is the celebration we had for International Volunteer Day. It took place in a pub, and it was a really warm and fun evening. All the volunteers from Dublin Simon Community were invited, and the efforts of everyone — including those who have been volunteering for many years — were recognised and appreciated. We shared food and drinks, had great conversations, and it felt amazing to be part of such a supportive and grateful community.

I would recommend volunteering with Dublin Simon Community. It’s a life-changing
experience. You don’t just help others, you grow personally and professionally. You meet
incredible people, both clients and staff, and you become part of a team that truly makes a difference in the community.