Refugee Support - Project Volunteer (Preston - Q1-84)

British Red Cross volunteers help thousands of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants every year enabling people to draw upon their own strengths to withstand crisis and rebuild their lives. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers with a range of skills to help the Red Cross support refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants in many ways, from giving advice on how people can access services to helping out with our group work or lending a hand at our drop in centres to give emergency support. Our project volunteers help the team as they support refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants adjusting to life in a new country and access the help they need. Providing emotional support is critical due to the range of vulnerabilities of people using our service. ## **We would like you to:** - Volunteer on Thursdays from 9:00 until 15:00 (sometimes finishing earlier than 15:00) - Volunteer for 2+ years - Be based locally within a reasonably close distance from our drop-in location, ideally within a 30 minute commute. ## *You will be based at one of our drop-in hubs in Fulwood, Preston. However, you may occasionally be asked to support in other local areas around Chorley and South Ribble (Leyland)* ## **We’re sorry but due to the nature of this role, we cannot accept applications from 16 and 17 year olds. Please check our website for more opportunities in your area.** ## **We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you have experience of being a refugee or asylum seeker.** Health and Safety Statement We take an individual approach to ensuring your safety. We may ask you to complete a simple risk assessment. We will also have a conversation with you to discuss any adjustments you may need. ## If you have any questions before applying, please contact us at volunteerrecruitment@redcross.org.uk
Why we want you: Are you passionate about supporting people in crisis? We are looking for enthusiastic Project Volunteers who enjoy being part of a supportive team. You will be friendly and welcoming, and keen to get involved in our diverse service and activities. You will enjoy working with people face to face in a multi-cultural environment. Our Refugee Support Project Volunteers help to make people feel comfortable and engaged with the services we provide by providing emotional support. This can be a distressing time and we aim to ease the process of adjusting to life in a new country through resilience and empowerment.

• Tasks: Showing people where to find local services they need
  
  Helping the team to set up and help to run group work activities
  
  Distribution of things like food parcels and toiletries
  
  Supporting the team with some administrative tasks
  
  Use your Red Cross training to give emotional support to people

• Skills: Strong communication skills and empathetic about the situation and needs of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants
  
  Able to volunteer in a multicultural environment
  
  Good teamwork skills and a willingness to support where needed
  
  Speak English; knowledge of another language would be helpful (particularly one used in the current local refugee population)
  
  Emotionally resilient as you may need to deal with challenging or difficult situations
  
  Keep the people we support at the heart of what you do

• Benefits: Meet new people and be part of a supportive and inclusive team
  
  A great opportunity to develop your existing skills and gain new ones
  
  All training and induction for the role (there is no charge for training)
  
  Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses for the role including for attending training
  
  An opportunity to be part of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation and the knowledge that you are making a difference to people’s lives