The purpose of NCOS is to make asylum seekers and refugees placed in Northumberland feel welcome.
We do this initially by engaging them at our drop-ins, where we share information about activities and services they may find helpful. They are told about NCOS by the accommodation provider, Mears. They can also take donated clothes and other items. It’s an opportunity to meet others in similar situations and make friends.
We DON’T give advice on their asylum application, but we connect them with the Red Cross, which can provide advice.
Drop-in Volunteers
What we do as a drop-in volunteer:
- Help set up tables, chairs and refreshments,
- Ensure people sign in and are offered a drink
- Chat with service users about living in the region: is their accommodation ok, are their children in school, have they made friends, what do they like doing, etc. Signpost to other organisations for activities or events.
- Encourage people to look at donated items
- Ask if they have any particular needs.
- Refer people to a senior volunteer if there are any issues
- Clear up after the session
Qualifications:
- Friendly and approachable demeanour.
- Good communication skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Sensitivity to the needs of asylum seekers and refugees.
- Willingness to learn about local services and activities.
Benefits:
- Opportunity to make a positive impact in the community.
- Gain experience in community outreach and support.
- Meet and connect with diverse individuals.
- Develop interpersonal and organisational skills.
Senior Volunteer
What are our responsibilities:
- Assist in setting up tables, chairs, and refreshments.
- Ensure attendees sign in and are offered a drink.
- Engage in conversations with service users about their experiences of living in the region, including accommodation, children’s schooling, social connections, and interests.
- Signpost to other organisations for activities or events.
- Encourage attendees to browse donated items.
- Identify and inquire about any specific needs attendees may have.
- Refer any issues to the Senior Volunteer.
- Help clear up after the session.
- Assist with GP registration.
- Discuss English language classes.
- Assist with applications for school places, free school meals, uniforms, etc.
- Introduce service users to the Red Cross.
- Refer individuals to food banks.
- Manage petty cash.
- Refer any issues to the Volunteer Coordinator.
Qualifications:
- Friendly and approachable demeanour.
- Good communication skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Sensitivity to the needs of asylum seekers and refugees.
- Willingness to learn about local services and activities.
Benefits:
- Opportunity to make a positive impact in the community.
- Gain experience in community outreach and support.
- Meet and connect with diverse individuals.
- Develop interpersonal and organisational skills.
Trustees
We need new people with a spread of abilities to join the charity’s Trustees, as our work is expanding and we need to grow our organisation to meet the increasing demand.
We are looking for people with a talent for friendship who share our commitment to the inclusion and welfare of refugees and people seeking sanctuary and of the local community they are joining, and who will celebrate with us their contribution and achievements.
If you also have leadership, administrative or financial skills, or particular skills and interests which may be shared, we can offer a range of challenging and exciting roles in which to serve.
If you want to join us and become a volunteer with Northumberland County of Sanctuary, please fill in the application form and email it to
ncosvolunteercoordinator@gmail.com