Volunteer in Croatia: Special Needs & Disability Support
Foster inclusion and dignity—volunteer in Croatia and help improve daily life for adults with intellectual disabilities through creativity and care
Volunteer in Croatia and help improve the quality of life for adults with intellectual disabilities. As an Oyster volunteer, you’ll engage in daily activities, assist staff during workshops, and offer companionship and creative support. Contribute to a warm, inclusive environment that fosters dignity, independence, and meaningful social interaction. Recommended for mature, experienced travellers.
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Duration: 2 – 12 weeks
Arrival day: Sunday
Return day: Saturday
Eligibility: General level of fitness required.
Age: 25 +
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Highlights
- Support Inclusion: Work with adults with intellectual disabilities in day centres focused on dignity, creativity, and social engagement.
- Contribute to Daily Life: Help staff run workshops, lead activities, and support communication and social interaction.
- Learn Disability Etiquette: Gain deeper understanding and respect for diverse needs through direct experience.
- Create Joy and Connection: Build meaningful relationships and foster trust through patience and shared creativity.
- Experience Impact in Croatia: Make a real difference in an often-overlooked sector while discovering the heart of Croatian culture.
Adults with intellectual disabilities in Croatia still face significant social exclusion, limited employment opportunities, and a lack of tailored support systems. Many depend on nonprofit organisations for daily care, social connection, and skill-building — spaces where they can live with dignity and take part in their communities.
This special needs support project places volunteers within day centres where people with intellectual disabilities gather for workshops, therapy, and social interaction. These environments are safe, respectful, and built around inclusion — but they rely heavily on volunteers to support day-to-day activities and personalised care.
As a volunteer, you’ll assist with creative sessions, engage in social play, help staff coordinate routines, and encourage communication through fun, informal interaction. Your presence brings variety, emotional support, and fresh cultural perspectives that enrich the lives of both the participants and the staff.
In a system where many individuals with disabilities are overlooked, your time and care create space for joy, expression, and learning. Whether you’re painting together, helping prepare a meal, or simply sharing a quiet conversation, you make a real difference in someone’s day.
No background in special education is needed — just patience, kindness, and a strong sense of empathy. You’ll receive training and ongoing support, and have time to enjoy Croatia’s natural and cultural treasures.
By joining this project, you’ll help build a more inclusive society and contribute to a better quality of life for adults with intellectual disabilities in Croatia.
- Shared volunteer hostel in central Split 15 minutes walk from the historical old town and marina
- Share a room and bathroom with 1 – 7 other volunteers
- Single use plastics are kept to a minimum, food waste is composted or shared with those in need, furniture is built from recycled goods
- Meals included but additional kitchen, breakfast room
- TV and laundry facilities
- WiFi available throughout the house
Upgrade:
Private room: £200 / week / room
Double bed, city centre, air con, en-suite, TV, Kettle, Fridge and sink
- You will receive three meals per day
- Breakfast consists of fruit, breads and spreads, cereals, toast, tea and coffee
- Lunch and dinner served at restaurant 2minute’s walk
- Typical Croatian food – meat, vegetables, risottos, pasta
- Food can be boxed up and taken when volunteering
- Provision can be made for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free diets and lactose-free diets
Travel arrangements
Airport: Split SPU
Arrival day: Sunday. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to the accommodation
Departure day: Saturday
Included
- Access to your own personal ‘My Oyster’ account – our online portal where you can find out much more about the program and manage your booking
- Dedicated contact time with an experienced destination manager to discuss the project, answer any of your questions and for us to find out more about you
- Help and advice from our UK office before arrival and whilst you are away
- Pre-departure information covering medical, safety and project advice
- Gold level, 24/7 Pharos crisis management and incident support cover
- Financial protection: ATOL (if we book your flights).
- Thorough orientation on arrival
- In-country support
- Accommodation (see the ‘accommodation’ section above for details)
- Advice on visa requirements
- Oyster plants a tree in Africa with TreeAid to help reduce the impact of global carbon emissions
- Airport collection and transfer to your accommodation
- Three meals per day
- 2 hour guided tour of Split
- Linen and towels
On your return:
- Welcome home pack
- Certificate of Recognition (on request)
- References (on request)
Not Included
- Flights – as an ATOL bonded company, Oyster can book flights for you
- You need a valid passport that meets the requirements of the country you will be travelling to
- Insurance (covering your time with Oyster and any planned independent travel)
- Any costs associated with changing your return flight date if you need to
- Independent travel costs
- Home country travel costs
- Spending money for additional trips, food and entertainment
- Transport to your project – sometimes cheap fare by bus or walking
- Return costs to the airport
More Information
2-12 weeks (over 25 only)
In many European countries, individuals with disabilities face challenges in accessing education and employment. The Special Needs Support program in Croatia provides personalized care, significantly improving the lives of those living with disabilities.
As a volunteer, you’ll assist in care centres for adults with various physical and mental disabilities, helping them integrate into their communities. You’ll engage in outdoor activities like beach walks and bicycle tours, as well as creative indoor sessions such as arts and crafts. No prior experience is necessary, and your contributions will be invaluable.
What to Expect:
- Outdoor Activities: Organize beach walks and bicycle tours, bringing joy to participants.
- Creative Engagement: Facilitate arts and crafts, encouraging creativity and skill development.
- Physical Support: Assist with therapy exercises to promote physical well-being.
- Companionship: Build supportive relationships through companionship and emotional care.
- Meal Prep: Help prepare and serve nutritious meals to ensure proper nourishment.
Why Join?
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities, gain valuable experience in special needs care, and immerse yourself in the culture of Croatia while contributing to a positive cause.
Project runs Monday – Friday. Your first day is spent on an induction in Split, and you will join the project on the Tuesday to meet the staff and receive your project orientation.
Days can vary depending on the project requirements. An example itinerary is:
8:00 – 10:00: Breakfast
10:00 – 13:00: Morning shift **
13:00 – 14:30: Lunch
14:30 – 18:00: Relaxing and travel time. Usually your afternoons will be free to relax, take some trips, do some exploring in and around the city.
18:00 – 21:00 Dinner time
- Strong work ethic: Ready to put in the effort.
- Optimistic mindset: Maintain a positive attitude.
- Proactive and adaptable: Take initiative and offer help, as tasks may not be assigned.
- No experience needed: Training will be provided on-site.
- English proficiency: Must be able to speak and understand English.
- Eager to learn: Open to picking up some basic Croatian.
Whilst late-availability is possible, we would advise booking as soon as you can to guarantee your ideal dates. Our projects are very popular and spaces can fill up several months in advance, especially for the months of June to September.
- Summer (June to August): Experience warm temperatures, vibrant beach life, and numerous festivals. This is the peak tourist season, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and outdoor activities.
- Late Spring (May): Enjoy pleasant weather with fewer crowds, making it perfect for exploring historical sites, hiking, and enjoying outdoor adventures.
- Early Fall (September to October): Experience mild temperatures and a relaxing atmosphere as summer crowds disperse. This is a great time for water sports, local events, and enjoying the stunning autumn scenery.
- Spring (April): Witness blooming nature and mild weather, which is great for hiking and outdoor exploration, with fewer tourists compared to the summer months.
- Winter (November to March): For those who prefer a quiet retreat, winter offers a peaceful atmosphere, lower accommodation prices, and the chance to enjoy local culture without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season.
We would recommend budgeting approximately £50 a week for free time activities.
There are cash machines located all over Split and you can pay by card for almost everything. You should take at least two cards with you, and let your bank know that you will be going away.
Typically you won’t need a visa for stays up to 3 months. You should make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
Most of our volunteers are independent travellers and you will become part of a group of people from around the world here. It is fine to travel with friends or as part of a small group too however- more the merrier!
The simple answer to this question is, yes absolutely!
It is important to bear in mind however that this may not be like other holidays that you have taken. Remember that you are volunteering in Portugal, and this means that you will be put to work! This sort of holiday is a world away from sun loungers and cocktails, with our volunteers often heading home tired but immensely satisfied. If you think that you will need a bit of relaxing time on your trip too, do make sure to factor this in when your time on the project is complete.
You should visit your doctor or travel nurse to find out what vaccinations you will need. Your routine vaccinations will need to be up to date. You should follow your doctor’s advice.
Please see the Fit for Travel website.
Doctors, pharmacies and hospitals are located within 5 – 20 minutes of the accommodation.
Split is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. Here are some key points regarding safety in Split:
- Low Crime Rate: Split has a relatively low crime rate compared to other European cities. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots, so it’s essential to stay vigilant.
- Safe Transportation: Public transportation, including buses and ferries, is safe and reliable. Taxis and rideshare services are also available, and they operate under strict regulations.
- Emergency Services: The city has well-established emergency services, including police and medical facilities. Emergency numbers, such as 112 for general emergencies, are easily accessible.
- Tourist-Friendly Environment: Local residents are generally friendly and helpful towards tourists. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, making it easier to communicate and seek assistance if needed.
- Health Precautions: While Split is safe, it’s always good practice to be aware of health guidelines, especially regarding food and water safety. It’s advisable to drink bottled water and be cautious with street food.
Overall, with standard safety precautions—such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and securing personal belongings—visitors can enjoy a pleasant and safe experience in Split.
There is free wifi provided at the volunteer house. You will receive a free local SIM card on arrival. Make sure that your phone is unlocked before arrival so that you can use the local SIM card.
We would suggest that you download the App Whatsapp prior to arrival so that you can be added into the volunteer group once you are in Split.
There is excellent phone reception in Split
You will need a European plug.
Croatia is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is UTC+1. During Daylight Saving Time (DST), from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, Croatia observes Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2.
Supervision will be fairly intensive during the first few days, when you will receive a thorough induction and work-related training. Once you are comfortable with things, you might not always have a supervisor working alongside you, but there will always be staff and other volunteers around to help, and you will always be accompanied for any high risk activities.
Staff at Oyster’s head office and in-country will be responsible for your safety and welfare while you are at the project. This will start from the moment you are picked up from the airport until the end of your project. Before and after these times, you will be outside Oyster’s responsibility and should make sure that you act safely and avoid risk. This is also true if you choose to leave the project during your time off. We will give you plenty of guidance and advice about this.
Got a question or want to chat to Project Manager Kate who has first-hand experience of the project? Call +44 (0) 1892 771 973 or email: – [email protected].
