Ahead of World Down Syndrome Day, due on Saturday March 21st, Caritas Carinthia places emphasis on the positive experiences of the pilot project that includes people with disabilities into volunteering. “I am there – Volunteering for Everyone”. Since early 2026, people with different disabilities have been involved in the “St. Hemma-Haus” nursing home in Friesach. Three months later, Caritas saw a positive outcome. Romy Strmcnik, head of the “Persons with Disabilities” department at Caritas Carinthia, speaks of an atmosphere full of “authenticity, respect and mutual regard”. “As a success model, this inclusive volunteering programme effectively combines training, involvement and social cohesion”. Theresa Kranabetter of the Volunteer Service Centre highlights the goal of the programme too: “For us, this is not just a project, it is an important dimension of inclusion into practice”. The goal is a form of commitment “that will not leave anyone out”. Volunteers with or without disabilities work together in several facilities and projects in partnership with the Caritas team. The purpose is “to involve even more institutions into inclusive volunteering projects”. The members of this group, organised between Caritas instructors and volunteers, visit the guests of St. Hemma-Hous, spending time together and helping them out in their daily life. The relationship with the guests of the nursing home ranges from talking to playing.