Hosting group projects in Wales

UNA Exchange coordinates a programme of short term international projects hosted by community organisations in Wales.  We have 25 2-3 week projects each year, hosting around 250 international volunteers.  We also have a programme of weekend projects, currently funded by the BIG Lottery Fund.

Examples of our recent projects include:

  • Constructing a round house from sustainable materials at Felin Uchaf (Gwynedd)
  • Supporting playworkers to run summer playschemes in Penrhys, Trealaw and Blaenllechau (Rhondda Cynon Taff)
  • Constructing steps and working in the Japanese Garden at Afan Forest Park (Neath-Port Talbot)
  • Building an eco-garden, organising cultural exchange activities and supporting the school Eisteddfod at Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School (Rhondda Cynon Taff)
  • Organising a public event to celebrate the end of Fairtrade Fortnight on the streets of Cardiff with Fairtrade Wales (Cardiff)

We are looking for other organisations interested to host volunteer projects, either for a weekend or for a few weeks.  If you are a not for profit, community organisation, UNA Exchange can help you set up an exciting project with volunteers from all over the world.


What will UNA Exchange do?
  • Work with staff in your organisation to help develop and organise a project
  • Recruit volunteers and through our network of international partners
  • Arrange visas when necessary
  • Train leaders (volunteers) for projects – leaders provide a link between UNA Exchange, the host and the volunteer group and help to organise domestic and social activities
  • Provide training and support for you and your staff
  • Share information between the host, leaders and volunteers
  • Support the projects whilst they are happening, e.g. through visits and phone calls and as a ‘trouble-shooter’
  • NB If the project will be working with children or vulnerable adults, we will ensure the volunteers provide a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’.  For most countries this is provided by the police and is the closest we can get to a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. We have an extensive Child Protection Policy and working standards which we will happily discuss with prospective host projects.

What will you do?
  • Work closely with UNA Exchange to develop a project
  • Plan and supervise the work of the international volunteers, including providing tools and materials
  • Find accommodation for the volunteers (usually a community centre or similar building)
  • Provides a small budget for food etc (£4 per volunteer per day)
  • Arrange transport for the volunteers from a nearby meeting point to the project site
  • Support the volunteers during the project, including providing an emergency contact
  • Helps the volunteers meet local people and get involved with events in the community

For more information on hosting an international project in Wales please contact our Volunteering in Wales Manager.