Hexham Retreat Guest Care

Land of Joy is a truly wonderful place to spend time learning, practicing and contemplating. All those who worked incredibly hard to establish and develop the centre have created somewhere extremely special which is continuing to thrive and grow.

Typical Tasks and Activities Volunteers Will Engage With:

•  Retreat support/guest care – helping retreat participants have a smooth and welcoming stay. 
• Our volunteers work in a collaborative, open and supportive way with the mutual aim of creating a nurturing retreat environment for those for visit.
• Volunteers typically work 6–8 hours per day, five days a week, for a minimum of one month

Volunteers receive:

•  A comfortable single room.
• Three nourishing vegetarian meals per day.
•  Opportunities to learn about Buddhist philosophy and deepen personal practice.
• Being part of a supportive community in a beautiful rural setting.

https://landofjoy.co.uk/residential-volunteering/

We are open to those who want to just travel in if they live locally.

Skills

Personal Qualities & Attitudes

• Kindness and compassion towards others—central to the volunteer ethos.
•  Willingness to learn about yourself and others and engage in communal living.
•  Respectful and accepting of others, regardless of background.

Ability to work collaboratively with a team and support a nurturing culture.

Experience & Skills

• No specific qualifications are required—people with or without prior volunteering experience are welcome.
  
• Existing practical skills (e.g., cooking, maintenance, gardening) are welcome and can be used in relevant roles.
  
• Ability to follow instructions and contribute reliably to daily tasks.
  

Commitment & Practical Requirements

• Willing and able to commit to the daily hours and minimum duration (usually 1–3 months).
  
• Follow the centre’s ethical/cultural expectations, including respect for others and the retreat environment.
  
• For longer stays (over 3 months) or volunteering during family retreats, appropriate DBS background checks are required.