56 Refugee volunteer roles

About Care4Calais

Care4Calais is a volunteer-powered charity supporting refugees in northern France and the UK. We work alongside people seeking safety to provide daily essentials, fill the gaps state support leaves, and open up access to justice. We also press the public and policymakers to act. Our vision is an inclusive society where people seeking safety have a safe home and a bright future free from inequality.

In northern France we operate year-round from Calais, providing warm clothing, shelter, services and assistance to people living in dangerous conditions. In the UK, our Field Operations teams distribute clothes and essentials, run language lessons, sports and music workshops, and connect people to medical, educational and specialist services; our Legal Access teams secure legal representation and make sure people are informed and empowered throughout their asylum claim.

Our work is informed by an Advisory Board of people with lived experience of seeking safety, who provide strategic input and feedback.

About the role

We're appointing more Trustees with lived experience of seeking asylum. You'll join as we begin a strategic review that will shape our priorities for the coming years - so your insight will help decide where a charity working on the front line of the hostile environment puts its energy next, and make sure those decisions reflect the realities and aspirations of the people we exist to serve.

As a member of the Board, you’ll be working to set Care4Calais' strategic direction, hold us to our governing documents and legal duties, and support and challenge the leadership team so the charity can grow and thrive.

You don't need previous governance experience. We will support you and give you what you need to do the role well.

What Trustees do

Purpose and compliance

• Ensure Care4Calais complies with its governing document, charity law and other applicable regulation

• Ensure we pursue our charitable objects, and that all activities and resources advance that purpose

• Contribute to regular reviews of our own governance

Strategy and direction

• Shape and review strategy, and advise on our purpose, vision, goals and activities

• Review what we're achieving and how effective our activities are

• Stay alert to changes in our operating environment and ensure our purpose and activities remain relevant

Risk, finance and oversight

• Ensure key and emerging risks are identified, monitored and mitigated

• Oversee financial plans and budgets, monitor progress, and review and approve financial statements

• Ensure robust processes for handling money and accurate record keeping

• Ensure income generation is on target, lawful, and doesn't expose us to undue risk

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation

Judgement and stewardship

• Use your own judgement to make decisions that are honest, lawful and in Care4Calais' best interests

• Avoid conflicts of interest or loyalty where you can; declare and record those you can't

• Support and challenge the leadership team in exercising their delegated authority

• Promote our aims and reputation through your skills, knowledge and contacts

• Attend Board meetings prepared to contribute

Who we're looking for

• Lived experience of seeking asylum

• Willingness to understand and accept a trustee's legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities, and to act in the charity's best interests

• Strong commitment to our cause, values and strategic objectives

• A strategic, critical thinker who is comfortable asking questions, challenging assumptions and sharing views with respect and confidence

• Ability to work as part of a team, understanding that trusteeship is collective

• The time to do the role well  - attending meetings and taking an active part in discussion

Support you'll get: structured onboarding, a buddy from the Board, and external mentoring through the Experts by Experience Employment Network.

Terms of service

The role is voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term which is renewable. We expect trustees to attend all scheduled Board meetings, with reasonable allowances for extenuating circumstances. 

As a small charity, there will be times we need you beyond Board meetings — scrutinising papers, advising on new initiatives, or lending expertise on a particular issue. Trustees are encouraged to visit our operations in the UK and northern France.

All appointments are subject to the standard requirement that candidates are not disqualified from acting as a charity trustee under the Charities Act; you'll be asked for the relevant declarations.

How to apply

Send a CV and a letter of interest (1–2 pages) setting out why you want the role and how you meet the person specification.

Skills and insight come from a wide range of life experiences, not only paid work -  tell us about any experiences, learnings or perspectives you think would help you thrive here.

You will never be asked to describe your lived experience at any stage of this process unless you choose to.

Want an informal chat first? Contact Wilf Sullivan, Chair of the Board wilf [@] care4calais .org

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online after the closing date.

We can help with digital access or a quiet space for interviews. Tell us about any reasonable adjustments you need and we'll arrange them.

Equality and safeguarding

Care4Calais is an equal opportunities employer and an anti-racist organisation. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled candidates, and those with lived experience of the immigration system.

We are a proud member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network (EBE), which works towards a charitable sector led by people with lived experience of the asylum system. We've moved away from one-size-fits-all recruitment to make our process fair, supportive and accessible. Applicants are welcome to use the guidance at ebeemployment .com and to contact the EBE support team for help with your application and, where available, one-to-one interview preparation.

We are committed to safeguarding. Our selection process includes rigorous background checks and assessments to ensure post holders demonstrate attitudes and values aligned with a culture that promotes safeguarding.

Do you want to work with us to achieve our vision of a world in which everyone can exercise their right to remain where they need to be with dignity and humanity?

Right to Remain is seeking a member to join our Management Committee (MC) with specific expertise in EITHER fundraising strategy OR campaign leadership. As a Trustee, you will provide strategic governance while actively leveraging your network and skills either to secure resources or to amplify our mission for migrant justice. You will work alongside the MC to ensure the organization remains financially sustainable and politically impactful in its support of communities navigating the UK’s immigration and asylum system.

About our Management Committee

Our Management Committee plays a vital role in the governance of Right to Remain, ensuring we remain true to our vision, values and strategic objectives. Working closely with the Director and staff team, Committee members provide oversight, support and constructive challenge to help the organisation thrive as a key organisation within the migration justice movement. Management Committee members share collective responsibility for the organisation and are expected to act in its best interests at all times. As a small charity, members contribute both during and between meetings, drawing on their skills and expertise to support the organisation's development and sustainability.

Time commitment: approximately 6-8 hours per month, including six Board meetings per year, preparation and follow-up, and occasional involvement in working groups or ad hoc support. Committee members are appointed for a one-year term, renewable annually. This is a voluntary role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed

Key Responsibilities

Candidates are invited to apply based on their primary strength in one of the following

two tracks:

Track A: Fundraising Specialist

-Help develop and oversee a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the organization’s long-term goals.

-Identify and pursue high-value funding opportunities, including major donors and foundation grants.

-Mentor the staff who have fundraising responsibilities, as and when needed.

-Act as an ambassador for the organization, representing our cause at key networking events and donor meetings.

Track B: Campaigns Specialist

-Provide strategic direction for public campaigns, ensuring they effectively influence policy and public opinion on migrant rights.

-Utilize your experience to guide the organization through complex political landscapes and coalition building.

-Oversee risk management related to public advocacy and ensure campaigns adhere to legal and ethical standards.

-Evaluate campaign impact and recommend data-driven adjustments to maximize reach and effectiveness.

Shared Governance & Fiduciary Responsibilities (All MC Members)

-Participate actively in board meetings, contributing to decision-making on finance, HR, and strategic planning.

-Ensure compliance with charity law, regulatory requirements, and internal governance policies.

-Review and approve annual budgets, financial reports, and audit results.

-Uphold the organization’s values of neutrality, non-discrimination, and justice in all board activities.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Proven track record of success in EITHER:

-Securing significant funding (high five-figure sums) in the voluntary sector (Track A); OR Leading and managing high-impact social justice or political campaigns (Track B).

-Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues to diverse audiences.

-Commitment to good governance.

-Alignment with Right to Remains’ values.

-Ability to work collaboratively as part of a Board.

Desirable Criteria

-Existing network within philanthropic individuals and/or circles (for Track A) or among media outlets/advocacy coalitions (Track B).

-Knowledge of data-driven fundraising strategies (Track A) or digital campaigning tools (Track B)

-Experience working with marginalized communities or lived experience of migration.

-Trustee or board experience.

Please see recruitment pack for further details.

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for young people currently include: ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), study group, youth club, swimming lessons and football.

About Youth Club:

Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games. We also work in partnership with a range of organisations to run a rich programme of workshops within our youth club. Some of these have included creative visual arts, drama, music and workshops on rights and entitlements of young asylum seekers. We also cook a hot meal from time to time and offer a range of snacks each week. Our casework team are also on-site to support young people with a range of advice and signposting needs, usually by-appointment.

Youth club takes place at Furzedown Youth Centre. Welham Rd, London SW16 6TJ

About the role:

As a Youth Club volunteer, you would be helping young people to feel welcome, join in with activities and be a great role model.

Youth Club takes place every Wednesday at 6.00-8.30pm. We ask for a commitment of at least 2 sessions per month for a minimum of 6 months.

Tasks and responsibilities:

· To attend and contribute to volunteer de-briefs which occur 15 minutes after each session.

· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering with young people.

· To encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential.

· To assist young people to both recognise and celebrate their achievements.

· To challenge young peoples’ negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manner.

· To adhere to CARAS Child Protection procedures, Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.

Requirements:

To be 18 years or older;

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;

· To be reliable and punctual;

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

· The ability to volunteer on Wednesday evenings for a minimum of six months;

· Current resident of the UK;

· Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;

· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of role

Volunteer induction training currently takes place online once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 6pm - 8pm. we offer the same trainings on Tuesday and Wednesday daytimes online between 12noon - 2pm once every 3 months.

Your availability to attend 1 general and 1 safeguarding online training session at these times within 3 months of your application would be a prerequisite of being accepted as a volunteer at CARAS.

Desirable:

· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

Through volunteering with us you will:

· Meet new members of your local community;

· Learn about different cultures;

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training;

We are looking to recruit a Youth Programme Coordinator, for a minimum commitment of 6 months, to manage our Youth Programme. The Youth Programme works with young refugees and asylum seekers in the Epirus region of Northern Greece, providing them with a sense of community and experiences that they wouldn’t otherwise receive!

In this role,  you would be coordinating the daily planning and delivery of activities for young refugees in the sites in which we're operating in the Epirus region of Northern Greece.

The programme usually consists of English classes, thematic and social and emotional learning workshops and excursions. The programme engages children between the ages of 8 and 16.

For this role, you would initially work as a Youth Programme team member so that you could develop an understanding of the programme, the people involved, and the organisation as a whole.

Your role would include:

• Coordinating, delegating, and managing a team of 2-5 team members in the daily operations of the Youth Programme

• Directly supervising and supporting team members, providing feedback to ensure the quality of the programme remains high

• Delivering effective inductions to transfer key skills/knowledge to team members

• Developing the current programme in coordination with the Education Manager and Youth Programme team members

• Assessing the impact and effectiveness of the programme in line with its objectives

• Planning and delivering effective and dynamic educational and outdoor activities, within a theme-based curriculum

• Training new team members in appropriate behavioural management techniques

• Capturing data and compiling evaluation reports on the programme

You should be able to:

• Prioritise and delegate tasks effectively

• Manage a wide range of tasks and intense workload effectively and efficiently 

• Manage individuals effectively to create a positive team environment in which shared problem solving is encouraged

• Oversee the delivery of programme activities and the completion of vital administrative and logistical tasks

• Be honest and transparent; be able to give and receive feedback in the most straightforward way

• Communicate in English, both written and orally

• Learn quickly, managing a wide-ranging and intense workload

• Understand what is required to work and effectively communicate in complex and volatile contexts

• Care for people: the interests of the people we work with should always be your first concern

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience working with children specifically in the refugee context

• Experience in leadership roles and have knowledge in how to effectively manage a team

• Knowledge of pedagogical tools and programmes suitable to children in the refugee context 

What do we offer?

• A nurturing and collaborative working environment. We work hard to help our team members grow; investing in personal and professional development.

• Accommodation in a shared house

• Transportation to/from work

• After completion of a three-month trial, if you commit long-term, a small monthly expenses refund

In certain periods of the year, demand is extremely high, and the shared houses might be full. If you have the means to pay for your own accommodation, please let us know. We would still be happy to host you if space is available. However, in a situation where the shared houses are full, this would allow us to offer an opportunity to someone that cannot afford to pay rent.

Looking for an internship?

If, because of your degree or for any other reason, you would like to have your period at Second Tree credited as an internship, just apply to the vacancy that you’re interested in and mention this. We have agreements with several universities across Europe, and in many other cases, these agreements can be developed on an ad hoc basis.

Job Title: Online Yoga/Pilates Volunteer Teacher

Reports to: Head of Digital Operations

Job type: Voluntary - unpaid

Hours: Max 1hr/week (30min to 45min class + 15min admin time)

Role purpose:
 

• Deliver accessible, high-quality online Yoga, Pilates or soft fitness/stretching/movement sessions tailored to a diverse community with varying English proficiency levels on Zoom.

• Create an inclusive, welcoming digital environment by utilising gentle, low-impact movements like chair yoga, chair Pilates, and equipment-free stretching. 

• Provide simple, adaptable fitness instruction designed for small living spaces and requiring zero specialised equipment.

Main responsibilities:
 

• Plan and lead engaging weekly 30- or 45-minute online classes using clear, simple English to ensure instructions are easy to follow for all participants. 

• Adapt exercises for limited spaces and ensure all routines require no equipment, focusing on bodyweight stretching and gentle movements. 

• Modify poses and movements to offer accessible formats, including seated options like chair yoga or chair Pilates, catering to different physical abilities. 

• Maintain regular communication with the Head of Digital Operations and track session details reliably using a simple Google Sheet.

Available Times (subject to change):

Fridays (preferred day)

• From 10am to 10.30/10.45am;

• Any time between 12pm and 3pm.

OR

Tuesdays

• Any time between 12pm and 1.45pm.

Yoga / Pilates / Fitness Teaching experience and confidence using Zoom and Google Sheets are essential for this role, as well as a reliable internet connection and your own space to deliver the sessions from.

If you are interested in this role, please end us your CV, contact info, availability, and let us know why you would like to volunteer with us and what you would like to gain from this experience.

We are looking to recruit people for our Youth Programme, for a minimum commitment of 10 weeks. The Youth Programme works with young refugees and asylum seekers in the Epirus region of Northern Greece, providing them with a sense of community and experiences that they wouldn’t otherwise receive!

There are some specific applicant requirements, however the most important is to have a strong desire to work with young refugees and have the commitment to improve the situation for them here in Greece. Second Tree works in a transparent way in a challenging and changeable situation on the field; therefore, an ability to learn quickly and be open to feedback is vital.

Your role would include:

We are looking to recruit people that are open to filling one (or more) of the following roles within our Youth Programme. Whilst these should guide applications, the roles often overlap and are interchangeable. Imagination and flexibility is encouraged when applying: let us know your suggestions on how we can use your skills!

The roles range across:

• Children’s English Teacher: responsible for the planning and delivery of the programme’s English classes. Classes focus on low level English learning and must be fun and engaging. TEFL/equivalent experience is preferable, but not essential.

• Excursion Lead: responsible for the planning and leading of weekend excursions, a highlight of the programme for participants! Excursions require an organised, methodical planner who is engaging and confident leading groups of children.

• Workshop Lead: responsible for facilitating workshops that can be either thematic, reinforcing the vocabulary learned in English class to make it more practical and interactive, or focused on social and emotional learning, helping students develop their self-awareness through creative and mindful activities, or touch upon any scientific/mathematical knowledge the teacher might bring. 

No matter the role(s) filled, team members are expected to help plan, prepare and participate in various community engagement activities such as: picnics, community excursions, sporting events, etc.

You should be able to:

• Be consistent with your application of behaviour management techniques

• Be honest and transparent; be able to give and receive feedback in the most straightforward way

• Manage a wide range of tasks and intense workload effectively and efficiently 

• Communicate in English, both written and orally

• Deliver programme activities and carry out administrative and logistical tasks

• Plan and deliver effective and dynamic educational activities

• Care for people: the interests of the people we work with should always be your first concern

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience with young children and teenagers in educational and leisure activities

• Experience working as a Scout leader or a leadership role in other such youth activities

• Experience working in the refugee context

What do we offer?

• A nurturing and collaborative working environment. We work hard to help our team members grow, investing in personal and professional development.

• Accommodation in a shared house

• Transportation to/from work

• After completion of a three-month trial, if you commit long-term, a small monthly expenses refund

In certain periods of the year, demand is extremely high, and the shared houses might be full. If you have the means to pay for your own accommodation, please let us know. We would still be happy to host you if space is available. However, in a situation where the shared houses are full, this would allow us to offer an opportunity to someone that cannot afford to pay rent.

Have experience leading a team of this type?

Consider applying to become a Youth Programme Coordinator. Whether your experience lies in the humanitarian sector or elsewhere, we are looking for people with expertise that can drive us forward as an organisation. 

Looking for an internship?

If, because of your degree or for any other reason, you would like to have your period at Second Tree credited as an internship, just apply to the vacancy that you’re interested in and mention this. We have agreements with several universities across Europe, and in many other cases, these agreements can be developed on an ad hoc basis.

Support our tutors and help learners, who are all Homes for Ukraine Guests in Nottinghamshire, build confidence in English, while assisting with learning materials, learner records and progress information.

The Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) is an award-winning British charity. ACAA provides advice, support, education, training, volunteering opportunities and social and cultural activities, with a strong focus on integration and community support. Its services include English language classes, employment support, women’s support, youth and family services, advice and cultural and social activities.

What you’ll do

Assist the tutor during ESOL classes, including small-group support

Support learners with pronunciation, conversation practice and everyday English

Help prepare worksheets, learning materials and classroom activities

Assist with the development of learning materials

Help create a warm, welcoming and supportive classroom environment

Support tutors during learner assessments, which take place approximately once a quarter

Help enter and update relevant learner information in the project database following assessments

Assist tutors with updating Learning Plans and learner progress information

Help record topics covered, progress made and information relevant to the next six-month learning period

Help keep learner records accurate and up to date

Who this role is good for

Students, graduates or others interested in education, TESOL, linguistics, modern languages or social sciences. No formal teaching qualification is required. Patience, enthusiasm, reliability and good communication skills are important.

Time commitment and flexibility

We understand that volunteers have their own work, study, family and other commitments. We aim to keep these roles flexible. We are ideally looking for around 4–8 hours of volunteering per week, depending on the role and your availability. However, we genuinely value any contribution: even a few hours a week can make a meaningful difference to our project and our learners.

Skills and experience

Required Skills

• Good organisation and attention to detail

• Ability to follow tutor guidance and handle learner information appropriately

• Good communication and teamwork skills

• Patience, reliability and a supportive approach to learners

• Good spoken and written English

Desirable Skills

• Experience with data entry or maintaining learner records

• Experience preparing learning materials

• Experience supporting learners or working in an educational setting

• Study or experience in education, TESOL, linguistics, modern languages or social sciences

What we offer

• Written reference on completion, reflecting your role and contribution

• Hands-on, sector-relevant experience for your CV or placement portfolio

• Full induction, safeguarding briefing and role-specific support

• The opportunity to support Ukrainian guests and learners participating in our ESOL project in Nottinghamshire

• Flexible volunteering designed to work around study, work and other commitments

We are looking for a Communications Officer who can strategically identify and post engaging content for our social media feeds and other communication channels, which will inspire people to support our work with refugees and asylum seekers in Epirus. You are the person who thinks “this would make a good post”, while activities are taking place. More than that, your interest and belief in digital communications as a force for good should be backed with an interest in data and analytics, using them to influence our overall communication strategy.

Your role would include:

• Interacting with our digital communities to increase engagement, followers and the quality of user experience.

• Identifying key influencers and conversations that we should engage in to better showcase our work and expand our reach.

• Managing our other channels of communication, including newsletters, donor engagement, website and press service.

You should be able to:

• Manage communication channels in a professional capacity

• Create and deliver communication strategies for specific programmes and campaigns

• Produce regular data reports using Facebook Insights, LinkedIn Analytics, Google Analytics or similar tools, analysing data and adapt strategies accordingly 

• Keep up-to-date with the latest trends/developments in digital communications

• Identify key influential external figures and agencies to further our reach and impact

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience working in a refugee context or with a vulnerable population

• Experience working in an NGO, Charity or in the field of human rights

What do we offer?

• A nurturing and collaborative working environment. We work hard to help our team members grow; investing in personal and professional development.

• Accommodation in a shared house

• Transportation to/from work

• After completion of a three-month trial, if you commit long-term, a small monthly expenses refund

In certain periods of the year, demand is extremely high, and the shared houses might be full. If you have the means to pay for your own accommodation, please let us know. We would still be happy to host you if space is available. However, in a situation where the shared houses are full, this would allow us to offer an opportunity to someone that cannot afford to pay rent.

Have experience leading a team of this type?

Consider applying to become a Communications Coordinator. Whether your experience lies in the humanitarian sector or elsewhere, we are looking for people with expertise that can drive us forward as an organisation.

Looking for an internship?

If, because of your degree or for any other reason, you would like to have your period at Second Tree credited as an internship, just apply to the vacancy that you’re interested in and mention this. We have agreements with several universities across Europe, and in many other cases, these agreements can be developed on an ad hoc basis.

NOTE: If you require a visa to stay in Greece for the minimum ten-week commitment, please know that as a Greek NGO, we are unable to sponsor your visa.

Volunteer Mentor – Migrant Support Programme (Bilingual English–Spanish) Info Latinos is recruiting volunteer mentors for our Cohort 12 starting in October (Autumn 2026). We support Latin American migrants in London through bilingual mentoring focused on confidence-building, integration, and personal development.

We are specifically looking for native English speakers (or fluent English speakers) with at least a B2 level of Spanish, as mentoring sessions are conducted in both languages.

What you’ll do:

• Provide one‑to‑one mentoring to Latin American migrants

• Support mentees with language confidence, integration, and goal‑setting

• Commit to weekly or bi‑weekly sessions (1-2 hours) during the cohort.

What we’re looking for:

• Strong communication skills

• Empathy and interest in migrant communities

• Reliable, consistent, and comfortable working bilingually

• Minimum B2 Spanish (upper‑intermediate)

🗓️ Application deadline: 26 September Join us and help empower our community.

Our busy Homework Club is part of our delivery of child and family support services, in order that low income and vulnerable families have improved access to services, employment opportunities and life chances.

Do you have some teaching or coaching exeperince either as a parent, classroom assistant or teacher? On Fridays afternoons from 3.30-5pm the Centre provides an after-school Homework club during term time. Children from three local primary schools, and a few from Year 7 attend the club.  Many come from families where English is a second language.

Volunteers sit on a table with 1 or 2 children and provide help with their homework, maths and English work mostly, and some reading.  Volunteers commit to one session a week on Friday (3.30 – 5pm). 

Our Mission

Each Person Matters: The Cardinal Hume Centre enables families, children and young people to overcome poverty and avoid homelessness.

What are we looking for?

• Ideally you have some experience in teaching, either professionally, voluntary or at home with your own children. 
• You are friendly, patient and can have rapport with children easily.
• Able to help with maths and English at primary school level. 

What is the time commitment?

• Ideally at least one academic term
• Fridays, 3.30 – 5pm at The Cardinal Hume Centre

How will you be supported?

• You will be supported by the Family Services staff team. 
• You will have access to wide range of e-learning topics.  Child safeguarding and fire safety awareness is mandatory for all new volunteers.
• You will be reimbursed for travel expenses.

Kaleidoscope is a grassroots NGO, working with displaced accompanied and unaccompanied teenagers aged 12-18 in Calais and Dunkirk, northern France. We work across informal living sites, day centres and safehouses to provide safe, youth-focussed spaces and activities to promote trauma mitigation, emotional regulation and identity building. We plan and facilitate a range of activities and workshops in response to the needs and wishes of the teenagers we work with, including arts, sports, music, woodwork, cooking and games, to empower and support them to grow in their identity, self expression and learning of practical and technical skills. Most importantly our sessions build trust and a space of safety that helps mitigate the vast trauma that teenagers have experienced in and before arriving in northern France.

We are looking for volunteers to join our team based across Calais and Dunkirk. Volunteers play a crucial role in the planning and delivery of our youth activities and sessions for displaced teenagers aged 12 to 18. As a small, grassroots organisation our volunteers also contribute to the day-to-day running of our project and have the opportunity to support and shape our work on an operational level. 

As part of the Government led Communities for Afghans programme, we are looking to recruit individuals or groups (UK BASED ONLY) to make up a team of 6 volunteers to support an Afghan family - you could be friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations are welcome.

We are currently focused on supporting families across Wales, West Midlands and Scotland but be keen to support elsewhere geographically where possible.  With this in mind, you may live in these areas, but we are also delighted to bring volunteers together remotely to support a family. 

You will be at the heart of this programme. It is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference!

The Communities for Afghans programme is a community-led Government initiative supporting families as they rebuild their lives in the UK. It is a Government-approved scheme that enables local people to welcome Afghan refugee families into their community. Volunteers will be supported by us to find housing for a family, provide practical and emotional support enabling them to settle into daily life and feel a genuine sense of belonging in the community.

How community sponsorship work

1. Form a Sponsor Group: Create a team of six or more volunteers — friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations.
2. Training & Ongoing Support: Our partners provide full training, so your group feels confident and well prepared. This simple, practical training is offered before you begin and continues throughout the sponsorship journey.
3. Identify Suitable Housing: With our guidance, your group helps find long-term accommodation. We then match an Afghan family of the appropriate size and ensure the property is suitable and affordable. Government funding is available for rent deposits and related costs.
4. Welcome & Support the Family: Volunteers help the family register with schools, healthcare, benefits, and local services, while introducing them to the community and supporting them as they adjust to life in the UK.
5. Be the Local Point of Contact: You act as the family’s trusted guide, helping them navigate the area, understand local systems, and access opportunities that only residents truly know.
6. Commit for Three Years: Sponsor groups support the family for three years, providing consistency as they grow in independence, confidence, and resilience.

Why Your Support Matters

Volunteering through Community Sponsorship is a powerful act of solidarity. You are not only helping one family — you are strengthening your entire community.

Your support helps families: 

• Rebuild their lives in safety and dignity
• Access education, healthcare, and employment
• Learn English and integrate into the community
• Become confident and independent

And your community benefits:

• Stronger local connections
• Celebrated diversity
• Practical meaningful humanitarian action

Full training and expenses covered.

Help us stay connected with learners, understand barriers to attendance and provide friendly practical support to Ukrainian learners participating in our Nottinghamshire ESOL project.

The Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) is an award-winning British charity. ACAA provides advice, support, education, training, volunteering opportunities and social and cultural activities, with a strong focus on integration and community support. Its services include English language classes, employment support, women’s support, youth and family services, advice and cultural and social activities.

What you’ll do

Call or message learners who have missed sessions, in English and Ukrainian

Find out why learners have missed classes and encourage them to return

Help understand why learners may stop attending or leave classes

Support learners who have difficulties with their current timetable, class, level or location

Help learners identify other suitable classes within the project when appropriate

Answer straightforward questions about classes and pass more complex queries to the project team

Sometimes attend classes and provide practical support to learners

Help learners complete and sign required documents, including Photo Consent Forms and Class Rules forms

Keep accurate records of learner contact and attendance-related information

Share recurring attendance or engagement issues with the project team

Who this role is good for

Fluency in both English and Ukrainian is required. This role is ideal for someone confident on the phone, friendly and patient, well organised and comfortable keeping accurate records. Experience or an interest in community support, administration or project work is useful.

Time commitment and flexibility

We understand that volunteers have their own work, study, family and other commitments. We aim to keep these roles flexible. We are ideally looking for around 4–8 hours of volunteering per week, depending on the role and your availability. However, we genuinely value any contribution: even a few hours a week can make a meaningful difference to our project and our learners.

Skills and experience

Desirable

• Experience with attendance tracking or database/data entry

• Experience communicating with learners or service users

• Experience supporting Ukrainian-speaking communities

• Experience in community support, administration or project work

Required

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow project guidance

• Good organisation and accurate record keeping

• Friendly, patient and respectful communication style

• Confidence speaking to learners by phone and message

• Fluency in English and Ukrainian

Skills and experience

What we offer

• Written reference on completion, reflecting your role and contribution

• Hands-on, sector-relevant experience for your CV or placement portfolio

• Full induction, safeguarding briefing and role-specific support

• The opportunity to support Ukrainian guests and learners participating in our ESOL project in Nottinghamshire

• Flexible volunteering designed to work around study, work and other commitments

Help us tell the story of our Nottinghamshire ESOL project, grow our community reach and create engaging content for our learners and wider audience.

The Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) is an award-winning British charity. ACAA provides advice, support, education, training, volunteering opportunities and social and cultural activities, with a strong focus on integration and community support. Its services include English language classes, employment support, women’s support, youth and family services, advice and cultural and social activities.

What you’ll do

Help manage our Facebook and Instagram pages

Write clear, engaging and well-presented social media posts

Create short videos, Reels, stories, photographs and other content

Take and edit photos and videos during classes, activities and events

Use Canva and other content-creation and editing tools confidently

Help maintain a simple content calendar

Support other promotional activities connected with the project

Liaise with local community groups, influencers and relevant organisations when appropriate

Help organise around 10–15 cultural or community visits/activities for our learners each year, such as visits to libraries, museums and art galleries

Contact venues by phone or email, discuss practical arrangements and agree dates and details

Coordinate agreed arrangements with our learners so they can attend

Attend activities where appropriate and capture suitable photos and video

Turn event content into Reels, posts and other social media content

Who this role is good for

Students, graduates or others with an interest in marketing, media, communications, PR, social media, photography/video or events. Strong written and spoken English, creativity, good communication skills, confidence with Canva and social media, and an ability to edit photos and video are particularly useful

Time commitment and flexibility

We understand that volunteers have their own work, study, family and other commitments. We aim to keep these roles flexible. We are ideally looking for around 4–8 hours of volunteering per week, depending on the role and your availability. However, we genuinely value any contribution: even a few hours a week can make a meaningful difference to our project and our learners.

Required

·       English proficiency at B2 level or higher (or equivalent)

· Good communication and organisational skills.

· Confidence using Facebook and Instagram.

· Basic ability to take good-quality photos and videos.

· Ability to meet agreed deadlines.

· Good attention to detail.

Desirable skills

· Experience creating content for social media.

· Experience using Canva or similar design tools.

· Experience editing photos and short-form videos.

· Experience creating Reels or similar content.

· Experience in marketing, communications, PR, media or events.

· Experience contacting external organisations or arranging events.

· Experience working with community groups or local organisations.

Skills and experience

What we offer

· Written reference on completion, reflecting your role and contribution

· Hands-on, sector-relevant experience for your CV or placement portfolio

· Full induction, safeguarding briefing and role-specific support

· The opportunity to support Homes for Ukraine Guests and learners participating in our ESOL project in Nottinghamshire

· Flexible volunteering designed to work around study, work and other commitments