Celebrating six years of RWNS, and a call for volunteers!

Last week we came together with over 60 friends, volunteers and partners on the Grand Pier in Weston Super Mare! It was to celebrate RWNS’ new charity status, all the hard work by volunteers and friends over the last six years, as well as to discuss our future plans.

Roua, a young Syrian refugee who lives in Portishead, spoke to attendees about her experience at school and the difficulties she faced moving to a new country. It was inspirational to hear how she has achieved an A* at GCSE and is now starting a Health & Social Care course at college.

Zarmina, Chra and Ronak, from Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, all spoke about the English lessons they attend with RWNS and the difference this made to them settling into the area. None of the women had spoken English in front of so many people before, so this was, in itself, a big achievement!

Olena, who recently arrived from Ukraine, thanked RWNS volunteers with support translating documents so she could find work, and told of the housing difficulties she’s experienced. Housing is an area of continued focus for RWNS. We encourage landlords to rent their properties to refugees and vulnerable migrants and furnish homes in preparation for arrivals.

Afghan refugee and charity trustee Mir spoke about his experience arriving in North Somerset with his family. He thanked RWNS for the friendship of volunteers and social opportunities the charity provides. Mir also made suggestions for further ways to help families and displaced people who move to North Somerset.

To act on these suggestions and be able to help more people, we’re recruiting more volunteers to join our small but dedicated team of local people. There are a number of projects we’d like to start, with roles to suit everyone. If you want to volunteer on a regular basis or give a few hours now and then, please get in touch.

In particular, we are looking for volunteers to help with:

• Bookkeeping and finance
• Befriending new arrivals in the local area
• Hosting at the weekly Welcome Cafe
• Coordinating bike donations
• Housing, sourcing and DIY
• Charity trustees
• Fundraising and grant writing
• English conversation classes
• Community champions to talk about the charity at local groups, churches or events
• Youth club

If you’re interested in helping our work, please contact volunteer.coordinator@rwns.org for a chat!

Or to see a detailed report of the event, you can download the PDF below.