Interested in what we are doing? You can sign up to our newsletter here
Thinking about becoming one of our volunteers?
We are always seeking new volunteers to help us with our work. New volunteers join for a number of reasons – they may already know someone in the group, or have previous experience of Community Sponsorship elsewhere. Or they may have seen us at a fundraising event (like a jumble sale) and learnt about community sponsorship and then decided to join us. We are a diverse bunch of all ages – some are retired, some are students and some have jobs.
Fundraise
We have several fundraising events over the year. These help to make our charity visible, so we get more people talking about the issues around refugees both locally and globally. It will also raise much needed funds which allow us to do the work we do. If you’d like to help out on a stall or sell our merchandise you can get in touch here
Donate
We are grateful for all donations find out how your donations are spent
ESOL
The ESOL teachers work as part of a team delivering English lessons to members of the refugee families, either at home or another agreed venue. The lessons are usually for individual family members but could be for a couple or small group. The team works collaboratively to ensure that the programme is suitable for the individual students and will adjust lessons accordingly.
The teachers keep in touch with the lead ESOL volunteer to ensure that everyone is up to date with the students’ progress and learning needs. We usually ask that you have an ESOL qualification or similar, however, if you have other teaching experience or qualifications that you feel would be appropriate, we would love to have a chat with you. Follow this link to apply.
Befrienders
The befrienders support the family to become independent and confident in their new environment and community. When the family arrives, everything is different for them. Whilst forming trusting and dependable relationships, the team aim to familiarise them with their new community and culture in order that they eventually form their own networks and support. The activities that the befrienders may carry out with the families are hugely varied and could include: introducing them to the local area (shops, public transport, children’s activities etc), accompanying them to appointments, carrying out activities with the children if the parents have appointments, or having coffee at a local cafe. It really is a broad role and is led by the wishes and needs of the family. Follow this link if you’d like to find out more about becoming a befriender volunteer.
Other Volunteering Roles
We are often looking for input in vital areas such as:
Health & Wellbeing – Helping families with medical appointments etc
Interpreting/translating – We also have a growing pool of Arabic speakers who are hugely important in helping us with interpreting
Computer Skills – helping families set up email etc
Schools – Homework Club and liasing with schools re any issues
Supporting volunteers
We’re a supportive group of people who keep closely in touch and help each other out wherever we can. We try to work in a way that no one feels alone with what they are doing. Everyone has different skills and experiences to offer to the charity and no one is expected to be able to carry out all tasks. We have support and communication mechanisms in place to ensure that we maintain strong links with each other.
Please contact us for more detailed role descriptions and application forms.
More information:
Community Sponsorship explained
Recruitment Process for applicants
Help for refugees living in Cornwall