About the Refugee Council

Founded in 1951, the Refugee Council exists to support people who come to the UK in need of safety and our purpose is to advocate with them for compassion, fairness and kindness. We achieve this by providing expert advice and casework, building the capacity of refugee community organisations, and working with allies across society to change government policy.

The Refugee Council is one of the leading organisations in the UK working with refugees and people seeking asylum.

Learn more about the Refugee Council here

About the Resettlement Team

The UK Government has committed itself to supporting Resettlement Schemes, whereby people fleeing persecution are selected and processed in the region of origin and brought to the UK with their refugee status already determined. Under these schemes a specific quota of refugees (single or within a family unit) come to the UK for resettlement.

In York, the Resettlement Team works with people from Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan and other countries to help them adjust to life in the UK, access services and establish community links. Working closely with the Local Authority and in partnership with other voluntary sector agencies running similar services in York, the Refugee Council’s Resettlement team promotes both the integration and independence of resettled refugees.

About this role

Women’s Group Volunteers support the refugees to build their confidence and to integrate into the local community and work towards self-reliance. They will plan the sessions according to the refugees’ specific needs and interests. The sessions can include visits to various places, and the volunteers will ensure that the refugees are comfortable and safe throughout.

What could I be doing?

• Planning, preparing, and delivering activities for the Women’s Group with support from the Community Development Worker & Volunteer Coordinator
• Supporting and empowering the women in the group to develop their own activities and encouraging client leadership in the group.
• Helping with practical tasks, such as setting up and packing away spaces.
• Supporting the Community Development team to facilitate a space where women feel supported, and their confidentiality is respected.
• Supporting women to practise using English and working with Refugee Council’s interpreters where needed.

Useful skills and experience

• Confident and creative to communicate with people who have a low level of proficiency in the English language
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Good listening skills and the ability to empathise as well as establishing boundaries
• Willingness to empathise and learn about refugee issues
• Sensitivity to working in a multi-cultural organisation and the ability to work with clients and colleagues from other cultures
• A commitment to the Refugee Council’s vision, purpose and values
• Reliable, trustworthy, and proactive
• Knowledge of Arabic, Pashto or Dari is desirable but not essential.

Time commitment

Ideally, we are looking for someone who can commit for a minimum of 6 months.

Fortnightly on a Thursday 10:00-12:30.

This role is subject to a satisfactory basic level Disclosure and Barring Service check. Repeat checks are initiated every two years.

Learn more about this role by downloading our task description here [PDF].

You can apply for this role using this application form [DOCX].

Interested? Contact Olivia Snook at olivia.snook@refugeecouncil.org.uk for more information.