Ukrainian Welcome Volunteers

About the role:

This is a short-term project to meet and support people arriving in Weston-Super-Mare over the weekend, while other services are closed.

We’re looking for friendly, sensitive and proactive people to volunteer as welcome befrienders. If you love meeting people and want to help welcome refugees to the local area, this could be the role for you.

As a volunteer, you will be on call for a shift over the weekend:

• Fridays: 5pm – 9pm
• Saturdays: 9am – 1pm; 1pm – 5pm; 5pm – 9pm
• Sundays: 9am – 1pm; 1pm – 5pm; 5pm – 9pm

You’ll then respond to notifications from the airport, to welcome people who are arriving in Weston.

You’ll need an up-to-date DBS check (which we will organise).

Your role might include:

• Being available for the entirety of your shift, able to take calls or texts if needed
• Ensuring people’s immediate needs around health, clothing and food are met
• Helping arrivals with orientation of the local area
• Offering reassurance while people wait to access services on the Monday
• Empowering people to make their own decisions about what they need over the weekend
• Making safeguarding referrals with any concerns
• Regularly checking in with the volunteer coordinator and peer support with other volunteers

To volunteer as a Ukrainian Welcome Volunteer, please download the application form and send it to volunteer.coordinator@rwns.org.uk.