Volunteer with Rossendale refugee support group

About Rossendale Refugee Support Group
 
We aim to provide a space for those in Rossendale as refugees or seeking asylum have somewhere to meet people, find information and support and opportunity to practise English.  We do this mainly through providing a weekly drop-in session on Wednesday mornings 10.30-12.30 in Haslingden.
 
Role description
 
1.      Drop-in sessions. Volunteers do not necessarily need to be able to attend every week, but do need to be able to come at least once or twice a month. Volunteer tasks at the drop-in include
o   Talking to those who attend, to enable people to practise English conversation, including speaking to those who speak little English
o   Noting and attending to any requests for help (this doesn’t require specialist knowledge or skills)
o   Playing board games etc.   
o   Taking on additional tasks as needed (and according to volunteer’s skills) e.g. taking details of new attendees, organising bus fare refunds, leading group discussion etc.)
Many of our group don’t speak a lot of English so interaction needs good interpersonal skills and a willingness to use Google translate etc.
 
2.      Tasks outside the sessions.  If possible (and according to the volunteer’s skills and interests) we welcome volunteers taking on occasional ad hoc tasks for the group outside the sessions, for example dealing with digital exclusion scheme applications, organising or participating in trips, supporting refugees with tasks such as obtaining information, completing forms etc, mostly remotely.
 
Essential volunteer characteristics
 

• Committed to the welfare of refugees and people seeking asylum
• Strong interpersonal skills (e.g. friendly, respectful manner, ability to initiate and manage conversation with people with limited English, sensitivity )
• Able to participate pro-actively in the group
• Before being accepted as a volunteer, willing to attend the group at least twice to see if it is a good fit for the volunteer

 
Desirable volunteer characteristics (not essential)
 

• Previous experience with refugees and people seeking asylum
• Admin skills

Interested? Please email Info@bprcvs.co.uk