About the European Solidarity Corps programme

The European Solidarity Corps (formally known as European Voluntary Service) is a European Union initiative which creates opportunities for young people to volunteer or work in projects in their own country or abroad that benefit communities and people around Europe.

The European Solidarity Corps brings together young people and organisations to:

  • Build a more inclusive society
  • Support vulnerable people
  • Respond to societal and humanitarian challenges.

You have to be 18-30 years old to take part (you can apply when you’re 17).

European Solidarity Corps is a partnership between a sending organisation in the volunteer’s home country, a receiving organisation in the destination country, and the volunteer. Both organisations have to be approved (known as ‘accredited’) by the Erasmus+ National Agency in their country. Leargas is the Irish National Agency.

Thanks to Erasmus+ funding, we have been hosting European volunteers at Galway Community Circus since 2013. We have so far hosted 20 ESC volunteers from Romania, France, Hungary, Spain, Palestine, Italy, Belgium, Germany, UK and Czech Republic.

2020 GCC ESC Documentary