Become a refugee support volunteer and support new Kiwis as they resettle in your community
Posted: Monday Dec 02, 2019
Our refugee support volunteers do an extraordinary job and are a core part of the services we offer to former refugees.
Volunteering is a fun and rewarding experience. Our refugee support volunteers help families start again, while learning about new cultures, meeting new people and changing lives (including their own!).
Refugee support volunteers work in teams to provide support for former refugees as they embark on their resettlement journey. Teams are decided upon volunteer availability. We also try to match people with complimentary skills.
Volunteer tasks may include:
- Setting up a home for a refugee family/individual before they arrive
- Helping the family enrol with schools and doctors
- Budgeting, shopping and how to use an ATM machine
- Showing the family how to use public transport
- Social visits
- Generally explaining how things work in New Zealand
Time commitment
The first 2 to 4 weeks of a placement are generally the busiest, filled with initial appointments and settling in tasks. After the first 6 weeks, less time is required as the family becomes more settled. By this stage volunteers typically spend time with their family or individual on a weekly basis.
Training
All volunteers take part in our comprehensive, multi-day training. Training programmes are run in each of the resettlement areas, at varying times throughout the year. Volunteers also receive mentoring and support throughout their placement.