Support to young volunteers

Youth volunteering activities and young volunteers are supported in the framework of the funding scheme 'Youth Initiatives' of the Youth Board of Cyprus (see 5.6 Supporting youth organisations). According to the Programme Guide, there are certain exceptions that apply to bodies or groups of young people that work with young people with special needs, in order to facilitate and encourage their participation. 

Furthermore, the National Agency for the European Solidarity Corps and Eurodesk supports young volunteers, particularly those facing fewer opportunities, in discovering volunteering activities that align with their personal values and goals.

Moreover, according to the Declaration of the Rights and Responsibilities of Volunteers, each volunteer is entitled to the reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with the implementation of the volunteer activity. 

Community building

There are no top-level policies aiming at developing and strengthening social cohesion and inclusion in the areas where volunteering activities takes place.

Apart from the volunteering opportunities, the European Solidarity Programme also offers the opportunity for the implementation of the solidarity projects within a community. These projects, that are mostly implemented by young people themselves, deal with challenges faced by the community and thus enhance the sense of belonging.  

Tackling societal challenges

Through the 'Youth Initiatives' funding scheme of the Youth Board of Cyprus, young people/youth organisations can apply to get a funding under the sub-action “Social Intervention”, in order to organise an activity that tackles societal issues, such as the environment, the climate change and the discrimination.