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Disability Support in Goa

Be a companion to people with special needs in their daily activities, bringing presence, creativity and moments of genuine connection. Discover Goa from a completely different angle — through authentic experiences and meaningful human relationships.

Where

Where

Goa, India

When

When

Departures every week, year-round (except closure periods)

Duration

Duration

Minimum 1 week

Accommodation

Accommodation

Shared or private rooms in a volunteer house, meals included

Language

Language

English (beginner level recommended)

Ideal for

Ideal for

Those seeking an authentic experience of exchange, listening and human connection beyond traditional tourism

Travel destination

Project details

About section

In Goa, the project supports elderly people and individuals with special needs, offering companionship, stimulation and moments of genuine connection.

 

In Goa, the pace of modern life and social change have often left elderly people isolated, and many people with disabilities without opportunities for growth or inclusion. This is why centres have been established to support those in need and to create spaces for connection and community.

The project responds to this reality through simple but meaningful activities: listening to stories, playing games, reading together, running creative sessions and helping with small everyday needs.

As a volunteer, you'll become part of the life of these communities — bringing companionship and practical support, while discovering local culture from an intimate and authentic perspective.

Why participate

Share quality time

Be a companion to elderly people and individuals with special needs, creating moments that make their days richer and more meaningful.

Share quality time

Discover India up close

Discover India up close

The Weekly Program

Weekdays

From Monday to Friday, mornings are dedicated to activities at the centres and schools — bringing companionship to the elderly, supporting people with special needs and providing educational assistance to young people.

Afternoons are free to relax, explore Goa or join optional extra activities, with coordinators always on hand to help.

07:30Breakfast and getting ready for the day
09:30Placement activities: companionship for the elderly or support at special needs centres
11:30Break and socialising with fellow volunteers
13:00Lunch at the centre and relaxation in the garden or lounge
16:00Optional extra activity: community outreach or free time to explore Goa
19:30Shared dinner, conversation and a relaxed evening together

Weekend

Weekends are free from scheduled activities. You can explore the area, join small day trips or simply relax with your fellow volunteers.

Relax on the beaches of Agonda or Arambol

Relax on the beaches of Agonda or Arambol

Soak up the sun or swim in the calm waters of some of Goa's most beautiful and peaceful beaches.

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Cost calculator

Weeks:
2
Daily cost:
£0
Total cost:
£0
🍽️Accommodation, meals and daily essentials included
🚫No group kitty, no add-ons, no hidden fees
🫶Your fee directly supports our local partner

What's included

What's not included

FAQs

🌴 Your accommodation in Goa

You'll be staying at the volunteer centre, a simple yet welcoming facility in a quiet area, not far from the beaches and local villages. It's an international meeting point where volunteers live, cook and grow together.

🛏️ Rooms and comforts
Shared rooms (2–4 people), separated by gender
En-suite bathroom with hot shower
• Beds with linen provided and a fan in the room
• No air conditioning or mosquito nets — bring an effective insect repellent and, if you prefer, a travel mosquito net
• Rooms cannot be locked: use a personal padlock or a money belt for your valuables


🍽️ Meals
3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at the weekend
Vegetarian Indian-style cooking: rice, vegetables, spices and local flavours
• Occasional simple Western dishes
• Filtered water, tea, coffee and milk always available
• Option to use the kitchen to prepare your own food


🌿 Common areas
• Dining room and lounge for shared moments
• A small library and a garden with palm trees to read or unwind
• International, community-oriented atmosphere: the essence of purposeful travel


💬 Living the community
The centre is not a resort: it's a shared home for travellers. Between communal dinners and evening conversations under the stars, Goa will become more than a destination — it'll be an experience to remember 🌺
🛡️ Safety and support

In Goa, the watchword is peace of mind 🌴 Every programme is carefully selected and monitored to provide a safe, welcoming and well-managed environment — both at the placement sites and at the volunteer house.

🔹 Participant screening
All volunteers must provide a criminal record check before departure. We'll give you easy step-by-step instructions on how to obtain it — it's a small step that ensures peace of mind and trust for everyone.

🔹 High safety standards
• Centres and schools with long experience hosting volunteers
• Quiet and safe areas
• Controlled access with local staff always present
• Partners who professionally host volunteers from around the world


🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival in Goa to your return home, you'll always have the local team's support — including evenings and weekends. And whenever you need us, our HQ team is always reachable on WhatsApp 🌐

🔹 Training and orientation
Before departure you'll receive a comprehensive guide with practical tips on safety and local life. On your first day you'll take part in an Orientation Day to quickly get to grips with the culture and basic house rules.

🔹 Best practices for a worry-free stay
✔ Avoid going out alone at night
✔ Arrange travel with other volunteers
✔ Always follow the advice of local coordinators


💡 Our goal
To create a safe and positive environment so you can focus on what truly matters: sharing, discovering and growing through your experience in India 🇮🇳
🧭 Orientation day

Your Goa adventure kicks off with a special Monday: a day packed with discoveries, smiles and local curiosities to welcome you to India in style 🇮🇳

During orientation, together with the local team, you'll explore the area and get all the practical information you need to settle in:

• Welcome meeting and overview of the programme and house rules
• Practical tips on health, safety and Indian cultural customs
• Introduction to Goa's culture, blending Portuguese influences with local traditions
• Visit to a spice plantation and your project placement sites along the way
• Tour of Old Goa, with its UNESCO World Heritage churches and colonial atmosphere
• Evening stroll through the market for your first purchases and a taste of local life
• Tech tip: you can buy an eSIM before departure via Airalo — so you're connected from day one!


Orientation is also the perfect time to get to know the group, share your motivations and start feeling part of your new little family.

📌 After orientation

From Tuesday morning you'll begin your placement activities, already feeling at ease and ready to dive in.
✈️ Arrival recommendations

To start your experience on the right foot, we recommend booking a flight arriving at one of Goa's two airports: Dabolim International Airport (GOI) or Mopa Airport (GOX). Our welcome service is available every Sunday from 06:00 to 24:00. During this time, a member of the local team will be waiting for you at the meeting point.

📍 Meeting point

Dabolim (GOI): after passport control and customs, stay on the same level and head to ENTRANCE 2. Our coordinator will be there waiting for you with a sign. Do not move — they will remain fixed at that spot.

Mopa (GOX): updated instructions will be sent to you by email after your participation is confirmed.

Arrival by land: it is possible to arrange a meeting at Mapusa Bus Station, also on Sundays (06:00–24:00).

🕒 Transfer duration

From the airport → centre: approximately 45 minutes by car.

From Mapusa station → centre: approximately 15 minutes by car.

💡 Arriving outside scheduled hours

If you arrive too early (before 06:00 on Sunday), you can request an extra night's accommodation with a paid pick-up, or make your own way to the meeting point.

If you arrive late (after 24:00): this is not recommended, but possible on request with a special pick-up (extra charge), or by arriving independently via pre-paid taxi (approximately ≤ 1500 INR, to be arranged before departure). In this case, our staff will reimburse the taxi fare upon your arrival.

🧭 If you can't find our staff straight away

Do not leave the meeting point. Call or send a WhatsApp message to the emergency numbers you'll receive in your confirmation email.

🚖 Departure recommendations

Check-out from the Goa centre is on Saturday morning by 12:00. Return transport is not included; however, our staff can help you book a taxi or point you to the nearest bus station.

We recommend booking your return flight from Saturday afternoon onwards, so you have plenty of time to leave the centre at a relaxed pace and reach the airport without any stress.

🗓️ Continuing your journey

If you plan to travel further around India, let us know in advance — we'll be happy to share useful tips on transport, nearby destinations and practical advice.

💡 After confirmation

Once your participation is confirmed, you'll receive an email with all the updated details, the local team's contacts and step-by-step arrival instructions.
Still have questions?

Book your spot

Booking
1

Send your application (free!)

Choose the project that inspires you most and indicate the period you would like to travel. No commitment: the application is free and non-binding.

2

Meet your coordinator

After your application, we will put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They will explain everything in detail and answer all your questions.

3

Confirm your spot

When you're ready, pay the deposit to lock in your spot. You'll get everything you need: local contacts, a visa guide and your pre-trip pack.

4

Set off on your adventure!

Pack your bags and go! On arrival you will find other volunteers like you, a welcoming local team and an experience you will hardly forget.

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