volunteer 
Comber was established as a volunteer organisation and we still rely heavily on our extensive volunteer network today, both in Ireland and in Romania. Since it was established in 1990, Comber has sent over 500 professional volunteers to work in Romania. In recent years, we have re-structured our volunteer programme and focus on sending small groups for specific time-limited projects.
Volunteer programme in 2010
We are now seeking enthusiastic and dedicated health and education professionals to volunteer in Romania in 2010.
Placements are available for a minimum of 3 weeks up to a maximum of 6 weeks. Comber is committed to providing unique placements, offering personal learning opportunities and giving our volunteers a wonderful experience of volunteering abroad.
Comber’s services in Romania are expanding quickly and volunteers will play a vital role in working with local staff to develop their skill level to meet the growing demands of the service.
The focus of the volunteer programme this year will involve:
- Working with Romanian adults who have recently been moved from institutional care into community homes, to develop independent living skills and employment opportunities
- Assisting adults with high level needs to access equipment and support needed for their imminent transition from institutional care to the community
- Assisting staff working with these adults in the community to further develop their skill level
- Delivering day care services in the newly established day care centre for adults with disabilities, the first of its kind in the area
- Working with children with disabilities, who are living at home, to help manage their acute needs in partnership with their parents
Who should apply*
1. Allied Health Professionals
(including Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Social Care Work, Social Work, Creative Arts Therapists)
2. Intellectual Disability Nurses
3. Educators and trainers with experience of working with people with disabilities
(including teachers, adult education and training providers and others with relevant experience)
*Newly qualified applicants welcome.
dates of programmes
This year, a six week summer programme will run from July and a second programme, to continue this work, will commence in September. Placements are available for a minimum of 3 weeks up to a maximum of 6 weeks on each programme.
Programme 1: 15th July - 26th August 2010 / ~ this programme is now closed ~
Programme 2: 16th Sept - 28th October 2010 / Final closing date for applications: 16th July
Applicants are welcome to apply for periods between 3-6 weeks during these dates.
Costs involved
We ask that all volunteers fundraise €2,000 which covers the cost of the full six week programme (flights, insurance, accommodation) and also includes a contribution to Comber's work in Romania.
If you are applying for a shorter period, please contact us directly to discuss reduced costs.
apply now
If you want to apply, we recommend you fill in the form as soon as possible and send back to us, so we can arrange an interview and give you sufficient time to fundraise.
Application Form - Romania Programme (2010) **Please complete and return as soon as possible
more information
Information Pack on Comber's Volunteer Programme in Romania (2010)
Comber's Child & Vulnerable Adults Protection Policy
Visit www.volunteeringoptions.ie for more information and resources on overseas volunteering
Get in touch
We do hope you will consider volunteering with us this year. Please feel free to contact us for a chat or for more information. Contact Alison Enright at alison@comber.ie or 087-2222456 regarding Romanian programme or Frances Haworth at 087-9022216 or frances@comber.ie for roles in Ireland.
We look forward to hearing from you!