Frequently asked questions

A free site that helps people in Barcelona find local organisations that need volunteers. You can see what each organisation does and the different ways you can help, then apply in a couple of minutes.

No. Just An Hour is free for volunteers. Volunteering itself is unpaid: you give your time, and organisations don't charge you to take part.

Local non-profits, charities and community groups in and around Barcelona. We only list organisations that have agreed to be on Just An Hour, and they describe their own roles.

Usually not. Most roles are open to anyone, and organisations show you the ropes with a welcome session or some training before you start. If a role needs particular skills, it says so on the organisation's page.

It can be. Some roles are a few hours every week, others are once a month or whenever you're free. Each role shows its usual commitment, and you can tell organisations when you're available in your profile.

It depends on the role. Most organisations here work in Spanish and Catalan, so roles that are mostly about talking, like keeping an older person company, usually need one of them. Others are happy with English or need very little talking at all, like sorting food, walking dogs or helping at events. Mention the languages you speak in your application so the organisation can find the right fit.

Yes. Volunteering is a great way to meet people and get to know your neighbourhood. Some organisations ask for a minimum commitment, such as three months, so mention how long you're around for when you apply.

You need to be 16 or over to sign up. Some roles are for over-18s only, and organisations may ask volunteers under 18 for permission from a parent or guardian.

Organisations usually ask for some ID, and some ask you to sign a short volunteer agreement. For any role working with children, Spanish law requires a certificate showing you have no record of sexual offences (certificado de delitos de naturaleza sexual). It's free and you can request it online from the Ministry of Justice.

Spain's volunteering law requires organisations to insure their volunteers against accidents and liability while they're volunteering. If you'd like to know the details, ask the organisation when you start.

The organisation gets your application, with the roles you picked, your note and your profile. They then get in touch by email, phone or WhatsApp to arrange an introduction or an info session. You can follow your applications in My applications.

It depends on the organisation and how busy they are. Many are small teams run partly by volunteers themselves, so it can take a little while. Any update shows in My applications, and you're free to apply elsewhere in the meantime.

Yes, apply to as many as you like, one application per organisation. Lots of people try a couple of places before finding the one that suits them.

That's fine. Volunteering is voluntary. Just let the organisation know, so they can plan around it and offer the place to someone else.

Only the organisations you apply to. They see your name, contact details, age, location, the causes you care about and when you're free, so they can get in touch and find the right role for you. We don't sell your details or share them with anyone else.

Many organisations keep in touch with their volunteers by phone or WhatsApp, for things like shift reminders and last-minute changes. Only organisations you apply to can see it.

Yes. You can edit your details any time from My profile. To delete your account, go to Settings. It removes your profile and applications for good.

We'd love to hear from you. We're adding organisations in Barcelona one by one at the moment. Email us at hello@itsjustanhour.com and tell us a little about what you do and the help you need.