Leonard Cheshire Disability is a disability charity that has been operating for over 65 years. We support over 21,000 people with disabilities in the UK providing innovative services to people with disability that will give them the opportunity to live a life without barriers. We believe that people with disabilities should have the freedom to live their lives the way they choose - with the opportunity and support to live independently, to contribute economically and to participate fully in society. Alne Hall is a residential home with nursing care situated in the pretty village of Alne that provides services for adults with a range of physical disabilities. The objective of our project is to empower and enable residents to access social and leisure activities in our local area including York. Our EVS volunteers support our staff in providing an active and stimulating environment for our residents as well as enabling our residents to participate in community activities and social opportunities more easily and regularly which improves their confidence, independence and quality of life. EVS volunteers develop meaningful relationships with residents and staff while gaining an insight into disability care and campaigns in the UK as well as learning valuable skills which often lead to future employment and study opportunities. Alne Hall has the capacity to host 2 EVS volunteers as part of a 4 person strong international volunteering group. Being an equal opportunities employer, we aim to achieve a good mix of different nationalities, experience and ability. EVS volunteers have a genuine interest and passion for working with people with disabilities. Most volunteers have volunteer or study experience in a similar sector or personal experiences providing support to family or friends and want to learn more. As we work with vulnerable adults, we need to ensure that we select volunteers that have a good command of English and are kind, patient and compassionate. Our volunteers are actively involved in shaping their EVS experiences and the activity programme for residents. We encourage volunteers to bring their own ideas, skills and passions to share with residents. As a result, the role is varied depending on the needs and wishes of residents as well as interests of the volunteers. The volunteers also play a crucial role in ensuring that our home has a lively atmosphere with activities such as art, quizzes, computer classes and cooking. A current project undertaken by the current volunteers is to ensure that all residents have easy access to the garden areas. EVS volunteers have lasting impact on many different aspects of our residents’ lives. Volunteers enable people with disabilities to be more independent, enjoy a greater choice of activities and form a healthy social relationships. An active and varied social life for our residents is beneficial to their health, happiness and quality of life. With support from EVS volunteers, the residents are able to participate in local community activities and becoming active citizens. Alne Hall will also be able to host more local social events that spread knowledge of disability issues and the EVS programme as well as creates a warm and welcoming environment within our care homes. Therefore, the impact of the EVS project at Alne Hall addresses very basic human needs of developing real meaningful relationships and being part of society.] Leonard Cheshire Disability is a huge supporter of the EVS programme due to the massive flow on effects it has for our volunteers, residents, staff and local communities we work in. We have witnessed improved confidence of our residents, extended and varied activities programmes, strengthened leadership and creativity among staff as well as friendships and connections between our care homes and European youth. The EVS programme opens a dialogue between youth from different countries about how different societies and cultures work with and treat people with disabilities which we believe will contribute to LCD's goal of challenging perceptions of disability internationally.