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Length of stay


Great Britain Great Britain: More Summer at the Othona Community (GB-IVS W13.7)

Dates

22/07/2026   -   05/08/2026

Feedback from 12 volunteers

Tags

Manual Work
Environmental

Fee

GBP 279 i Fee is paid in two installments:

GBP 184 to be paid now.
GBP 95 is to be paid after acceptance.

Note: Total fee can vary depending on bank rates.
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Details on the project

Age
18 - 99
Max number of volunteers
6
Still room for
3 Male + 3 Female
Languages
English
Vegetarian food
Yes
Nearest airport
London (LGW)
Nearest bus/train station
Southminster train station

Work

During summer volunteers will be helping with the day to day running of the community, and interacting with guests and members, ongoing work to the grounds and gardens and creation of new facilities.

Accomodation and food

Volunteers will be camping and tents are NOT provided, therefore volunteers should bring their own tents and sleeping bags/mats.

Location and leisure

LOCATION:
The Othona Community is situated near Bradwell-on-Sea on the east coast of Essex, next to a beautiful nature reserve. It is 5km from the nearest village.

LEISURE:
During the volunteers’ time here, there will be a celebration of our 80th Anniversary as well as music and nature related events. Details of these events can be viewed on Othona's website when they become available: https://www.othona.org/essex/programme/upcoming-events/
Outside their work duties volunteers are encouraged to join in these activities.

Project hosted by

The Othona Community in Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex was founded in 1946. It is a residential centre for people of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds to seek a common understanding in the cause of Peace. Othona has welcomed IVS/VAP volunteers since the early 1970's. Othona is a non-dogmatic Christian Community founded next to one of the oldest churches in the UK (654 AD). It fully involves non-Christians. It is an experimental community where work, worship, study and play are combined. Volunteers will be fully integrated in the life of the community.

Directions to meeting point

Will be provided with the Infosheet

Requirements

HOSTING FEE: For IVS/VAP to run a programme of voluntary work projects in Britain we need to ask all volunteers participating in our projects to pay a hosting fee of £95 GBP.

IMPORTANT: Please note that volunteers will only receive a final confirmation of their placement after we have received notice of the payment of this fee.

Great Britain Great Britain: Mindful Making Between The Sea and Mountains (CONCUK267)

Dates

17/08/2026   -   30/08/2026

Feedback from 33 volunteers

Tags

Cultural
Art
Social

Already accepted volunteers from

Estonia Spain

Fee

GBP 184
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Details on the project

Age
18 - 99
Max number of volunteers
14
Still room for
7 Male + 5 Female
Languages
English
Vegetarian food
Yes
Access with disability
Yes
Nearest airport
Manchester (MAN)
Nearest bus/train station
Ulverston
Map

Work

Volunteers will support the work of the Kadampa Art Studio (KAS) by sanding, refining, and finishing Buddha statues and decorative elements for temples and centres around the world. It’s a hands-on role where you can contribute to beautiful, high-quality craftsmanship in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Along the way, you’ll pick up practical skills such as surface preparation, finishing techniques, and working with fine detail. The work encourages a mindful approach and will help you build patience, focus, and a sense of calm as you work carefully with each piece.

Many volunteers find the experience both grounding and rewarding, offering a chance to slow down, learn something new, and take pride in creating something that will be appreciated by others.

No previous experience is needed, and you don’t need to be religious. You just need to be open-minded, willing to learn, and happy to get involved as part of a supportive team.

Please note that some tasks involve working with fine dust, and appropriate safety equipment such as dust masks will be provided and should be worn when required.

Accomodation and food

Volunteers will stay on-site at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre in shared, single-gender dormitories. Accommodation is simple, comfortable, and designed to encourage community living and cultural exchange among participants.

Shared bathroom and toilet facilities are also single-gender. Volunteers should be prepared for communal living and respect the privacy and comfort of others.

Three vegetarian or vegan meals per day will be provided. Meals are nutritious, freshly prepared. Tea and coffee facilities will also be available.

Please inform the organisers in advance of any dietary requirements or allergies.

Location and leisure

Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre is located near the historic market town of Ulverston in Cumbria, on the edge of the beautiful Lake District National Park, one of the UK's most famous natural areas.

During their free time, volunteers can:
• Participate in meditation classes or guided prayers.
• Relax in the peaceful grounds of the centre.
• Explore the Lake District's stunning mountains, lakes, and walking trails.
• Visit nearby towns such as Ulverston, Kendal, and Ambleside.
• Enjoy local cafés, shops, and cultural attractions.
• Visit nearby coastal areas and nature reserves.

The combination of meaningful volunteer work and access to one of the UK's most beautiful regions makes this a unique and rewarding experience.

Project hosted by

Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre is the mother centre of a worldwide network of modern Kadampa Buddhist centres founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, who guided every aspect of the centre's development for over 40 years.

It is a special place dedicated to world peace, where people from all backgrounds can find inner peace, learn practical methods to solve everyday problems, and develop the ability to help others do the same.

The centre is based at Conishead Priory, a Grade II* listed Romantic Gothic house located just south of the English Lake District. Set within 70 acres of woodland and gardens on the shores of Morecambe Bay, it provides a peaceful and inspiring environment for volunteering, learning, and reflection.

Volunteering at Manjushri KMC offers a unique and enriching experience, both personally and spiritually. As part of an international community, volunteers spend time with people from many countries and all walks of life, each bringing different perspectives, experiences, and skills.

Those who wish can learn about meditation and explore Buddhist teachings, while enjoying the supportive atmosphere of a warm and welcoming community. In their free time, volunteers can easily explore the breathtaking lakes, mountains, and villages of the Lake District, one of the most beautiful regions of the United Kingdom.

Directions to meeting point

The meeting point is: Ulverston Station. This is a five-minute drive from the Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre. Will arrange to pick you up from the station or for a shared taxi. You may have to wait for some time in Ulverston for other volunteers to arrive so you can go together. Don't worry, it's a lovely town, and there are lots of nice cafes to enjoy while you wait.

Detailed arrival information, including directions and contact numbers, will be provided before the start of the project.

The nearest airports are Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport, both of which offer rail connections to Ulverston.