Volunteer in India

The pandemic continues to disrupt travel plans and our volunteer trips to India are currently suspended. Our last trip to India was in March 2020.

We are monitoring the travel situation so we can begin to plan and recommence.  At the moment we expect any trip taking place would be 2023 at the earliest.

‘Share that extraordinary experience’

In the words of our Founder Gillie Davidson MBE, “The SLA journey began with a group of committed, idealistic young people volunteering in India to build a Home for vulnerable children. It was a revelation for all. SLA wants to share that extraordinary experience.”

• Over the years SLA has taken hundreds of volunteers to India to help directly with the work of our partners.
• We can offer the opportunity to spend time working with our partners in India.

What kind of work do volunteers do?

We work with our Indian partners to explore what activities and tasks they find most useful to have volunteers to help with. Past trips have helped with a wide range of things, from taking English conversational classes, to building badminton courts, to teaching tennis. No specialist skills or training are required, although volunteers need to be fit and in good health. SLA provide full briefing and support before trips are planned and implemented.

SLA has taken hundreds of volunteers to India to help directly with the work of our partners

How long are the volunteer trips?

Trips usually last one to two weeks. SLA are happy to discuss volunteers requirements in detail in advance, including duration of trips.

Who goes on the volunteer trips?

People can undertake volunteer trips as an individual or as a group. Individuals will often take part on the trip as part of a group made up of all sorts of people, from different age groups and backgrounds. We are also happy to talk to groups who would like to volunteer as one group together. Please contact us to discuss your requirements in more detail.

How much does it cost?

Volunteers need to book and pay for their own international flights, insurance and visa. SLA will recommend what flight volunteers should go for, and will recommend deals with our travel partners.

The cost of two weeks volunteering in India with SLA is £1500. This includes:

• All accommodation in India.
• All food and water.
• All internal travel.
• A £500 contribution to the cost of the project and the work of our partners.

Child Protection

As volunteers have contact with children in India, all volunteers must join the PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) Scheme or undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks as part of SLA’s Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy.

Further details

To find out more information, or if you want to sign up, please contact us.