Least Reached: the Elderly
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Journey Overview
By helping in a practical way, you support and relieve the personnel of a christian elderly home that has a big need for people that care for the least reached group of people, the elderly of our society. The daily work can be simple tasks such as ironing and washing the clothes, but also (as the knowledge of the language increases) accompanying the elderly to their program, bringing them to the dining hall, taking them out for a walk in the garden, and many more things.
The details of work are absolutely customisable to the interests of the volunteers. The staff is flexible and grateful for all support they get. It is a great opportunity to find out what someone likes to do (work-wise) and also a great place to learn the local language and culture. To care for a certain group of least reached, namely the elderly. Helping to relieve personnel of elderly home by providing practical support in diverse fields of work.
If two people choose to come, they should either be married of of the same sex, because they will be sharing the accommodation. Price excludes non-refundable deposit of £50, flights, insurance & any possible vaccinations and is subject to change according to the exchange rate.
Applicants must be 18 or over.
Please check dates with us before applying. If you live in the UK, you can use this link to apply https://www.uk.om.org/short-term-mission-application-form
As part of our Safeguarding policy, you may require a valid enhanced DBS certificate, which may cost up to an additional £30.
What To Expect
Lois, a Christian elderly home founded in 1971, is located in Kifissia, in the northern suburbs of Athens. Its 70 residents, both believers and non-believers, receive 24/7 care from more than 30 staff members (nurses, kitchen, cleaning, and administrative personnel). Lois's work is significantly supported by volunteers who stay at our facilities for periods ranging from a few weeks to a whole year. These volunteers serve in various capacities, depending on their interests, availability, and length of stay. Here are some examples of volunteer activities:
- Keeping company with the elderly, singing hymns, or sharing testimonies.
- Assisting nurses with resident movement or feeding.
- Performing practical tasks such as ironing, painting, and gardening.
Our volunteers find that engaging with the elderly is a blessing, with younger volunteers especially reporting that it has been a transformative experience, shaping their worldview in several ways.
Participant Profile
Age Range: 18-99
Serving, loving, patient attitude towards people. Interested and creative, or happy with simple tasks. It is likely to be able to find something fitting for a diverse spectrum of personalities, ages, backgrounds, and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be accommodation provided?
The volunteer(s) can live on the same property of the ministry location. The elderly home shares it's property with a accommodation place for christian conferences. There is a private room available, a private bathroom and a private fridge. Also, there is access to a garden shared with the accommodation place for conferences, therefore it also has a basketball or volleyball field that can be used.
Will there be food provided?
The elderly home provides all meals for volunteers should they choose to eat with the other staff. For personal preferences, the volunteers are free to buy their own food and store it in their accommodation.
Do I need to make my own travel arrangements?
The volunteers have to arrange their travel to Athens and will be shown how to get to the ministry and accommodation location by the short term coordinator. Since the ministry is on the same site, there is no need for public transportation, yet the volunteer(s) can purchase monthly or daily tickets for traveling into Athens downtown.
What should my health condition be like?
The volunteers should care to get the regular vaccinations before arriving that are needed when working with elderly.
Do I need a visa?
If coming from a non-EU country, the volunteer(s) should apply for a visa in order to stay in Greece. If they are from a EU country they can travel with their ID and do not need to apply for a visa.
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Your Local Office
Operation Mobilisation, The Quinta, Weston Rhyn, OSWESTRY, SY10 7LT, Shropshire, GB
Registered as a limited company by guarantee no. 2564320 and charity no.1008196 (England and Wales).
General enquiries: www.uk.om.org/contact-us
Short-term mission opportunities: shortterm.uk@om.org
01691 773388