Volunteering in Lisbon (and beyond) is a unique opportunity to help others and make an active and positive contribution to a better society. In this context, it can be a truly enriching and life-changing experience, both personally and professionally.
However, sometimes people want to take the first step but don’t know where to start. With those who want to help those most in need and/or intervene in different areas such as social action, the environment, health, education and animal support in mind, we’ve put together a brief list.
Without being a definitive guide, we want this article to act as a starting point for those who want to make a difference ‘today’. From the Portuguese Red Cross to Refood, not forgetting SOS Animal, explore some of the options where you won’t get paid, but your heart will be filled!
Table Of Contents
Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa (SCML)
For those looking to volunteer in the areas of social action, health, culture and innovation, SCML is undoubtedly an option to consider.
With the aim of improving the well-being and quality of life of people in the most vulnerable situations, the volunteer program works as a complement to the work of SCML professionals.
In this context, it is pertinent to inform you that there are three specific axes to volunteering within SCML, namely:
- “More of Us” – aimed at internal corporate volunteering actions
- “More of You” – for the external public
- “More of You” – designed, in particular, for young people.
If you want to know more, you can check out the officialwebsite.
Serve the City Lisboa
Serve the City Lisboa is part of a worldwide network of local organizations in more than 80 cities, working directly with schools, associations and companies.
Volunteering activities are specifically aimed at the homeless, the elderly and families in situations of greater social vulnerability. You can find more detailed information here.
SOS Animal
For those who love animals and want to volunteer, this NGO is an option to consider in Lisbon. This association protects and rescues animals at risk, promoting responsible adoption and raising awareness of animal welfare.
Since 2015, SOS Animal has been running Portugal’s first Solidarity Veterinary Hospital in Lisbon, where street animals and families in need are cared for. Its work has already been publicly recognized by the Lumiar Parish Council with the award of a Medal of Merit.
You can find out how to get involved and/or help here.
Homeless Support Center (CASA)
CASA is a Private Social Solidarity Institution (IPSS), based in Lisbon, which works with a special focus on supporting homeless people and families in need.
Thanks to a network of hundreds of volunteers, it distributes hot meals to those most in need, clothing, food baskets and hygiene products, among other actions. More information is available on the officialwebsite.
Refood
Without being a definitive guide to all the possible options for volunteering in Lisbon, the aim of this article is to offer a basis and/or starting point for those wishing to help others, including examples in a wide variety of areas.
That’s why we’ve mentioned organizations like Refood, which are dedicated to combating food waste and hunger by redistributing surplus food to people in need. Take a look here to find your nearest branch.
Portuguese Red Cross
Volunteering is part of the Portuguese Red Cross’s DNA, including various activities such as hospital support, social assistance, intervention in emergency situations, among others.
The organization provides training for its volunteers, fostering essential pillars such as empathy, commitment and a spirit of solidarity. With structures in Lisbon (and all over the country), you can apply here.
Food Bank Against Hunger
Not only in Lisbon, but all over the country, the Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome often organizes volunteer activities.
The aim is to collect enough food to be distributed to people in need. If you want to join this noble cause, fill in the form.
Lisbon City Council Volunteer Bank
In addition to the organizations mentioned above, there are digital platforms that act as a kind of ‘yellow pages’ of the world of volunteering in Lisbon.
For example, the Lisbon City Council Volunteer Bank is one of these pages that acts as an information ‘repository’.
There, you’ll find various volunteering opportunities in social, cultural and environmental projects within the city, including short and long-term options.
