We have produced a Volunteer Handbook with all the information you need to know about the role – covering everything from travel & arrival, living arrangements, and day to day life, to the workshops, mealtimes, and time off.

Download the Volunteer Handbook

Volunteers assist with companionship and some support tasks, including helping with certain aspects of personal care. However, volunteers are not responsible for administering medication, managing resident finances, or completing care planning.

If you are coming from overseas, you need to apply for a ‘Temporary T5 – Charity Worker Visa’. This currently costs £319.

We are able to sponsor your visa application and can support and guide you through the application process.

As part of your visa application, you will need to pay an ‘Immigration Health Surcharge’ of £1035 (if you are joining us for over 6 months). This will enable you free access to the National Health System in the UK through the local Health Centre throughout your stay, although you’ll still need to pay for certain types of services, such as prescriptions, dental treatment and eye tests.

Mor information can be found here https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/how-much-pay

Yes. The Houses and Workshops are always staffed with experienced and qualified staff. Volunteers are always supervised by employed staff and work alongside them as part of the team and will never be left alone.

From Monday to Friday, volunteers accompany residents to their daytime activities at our Workshops. These may include woodwork, baking, estate work, pottery, crafts, farming, gardening, and working with horses.

If you arrive in the United Kingdom, there are direct trains daily from London Kings Cross Station to Perth or Dunkeld. There are also long distance coach services between Victoria Station in London to Perth or Dunkeld. If you arrive at Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen airport, there are direct train services to Perth or Dunkeld. There are also direct coach services from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Inver, by Dunkeld.

Volunteers are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their travel to the Community. Corbenic will contribute towards the cost of their journey home when they leave. The return journey will be purchased by Corbenic, with the contribution pro-rated based on the length of stay, up to a maximum of £250 within Europe and £700 outside Europe.

Those who are joining us through third-party organisations may have these fees covered, please ensure you discuss this with the relevant team.

Moving to a new country and living in a community like Corbenic can sometimes feel challenging. If you are ever feeling unhappy, overwhelmed, or unsure about something, we encourage you to speak with a member of staff or the HR Team. We are here to support you and will always try to help resolve any issues or concerns. Open communication is important to us, and we want your time at Corbenic to be a positive and meaningful experience.

Yes, volunteers have regular time off each week. Your hours will be agreed with your House team, and you will have days free to rest, relax, and enjoy your time outside of the Community. You also have off days allocated on arrival and these can be used upon arrival!

Absolutely. Many volunteers use their time off to explore Scotland and the wider UK. Dunkeld is a beautiful part of the country with great access to the Highlands, cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. With use of the Volunteer car reaching the nearest city Perth is simple!

Yes, all board and lodging are provided while you are volunteering at Corbenic. You will live in one of the Community Homes and take part in shared meals with residents and staff, meaning most day-to-day living costs such as accommodation and food are covered.