Apply to volunteer
Volunteers are at the heart of all that Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees does. We are hugely appreciative of the generosity of the Cheltenham people, businesses, and other organisations who support us with cash, venues and other donations. But we wouldn’t exist without the time, skills and knowledge of our volunteers.
Volunteer opportunities
We need people to join in our face-to-face activities with the refugee families and the people seeking asylum – making people feel welcome, helping them practice their English and learn about Cheltenham, joining in activities together, and doing a bit of clearing up afterwards.
We need people who can build up partnerships with community groups, churches and faith groups.
We need people to help organise and staff one-off events – the Summer Picnic, National Refugee Week, fund-raisers.
We need people to give lifts or pick up donated items.
We need people with a range of media skills (writing, editing, photography and video) to produce the Newsletters, maintain and develop the website, and to continue to raise our social media profile.
We need people who understand charity governance, accounting systems and Gift Aid, and writing grant applications.
We need people with experience of training and supporting volunteers.
We work closely with Cheltenham Volunteer Teachers (providing English language learning and support with schoolwork) and increasingly share resources.
There are opportunities to join sub-groups and lead on a particular activity, and to join the Core Group.
Skills
Some people like to use their training and professional skills, others like to get involved in something completely different.
Some people enjoy developing a new skill-set.
Sometimes people offer a skill we hadn’t realised we needed and now greatly value.
How often?
Some people make a regular weekly, fortnightly, or monthly commitment.
Some people join in the planning of a particular event and then take a break.
Other people are available for occasional one-off tasks.
Who can volunteer?
Some of us are retired, some in full or part-time work, some still students.
What can we offer you?
Opportunities to meet interesting people and discover more about Cheltenham
The chance to develop new skills and experience (and we don’t mind if you use this on your CV!)
Advice, information and training (as necessary)
How to sign up
If you are interested, complete the form below.
There will be an informal interview.
We require a character reference.
If you are offering to give lifts, we need to see your driving licence and insurance.
A few activities require an enhanced DBS check which we can arrange.
All volunteers need to agree with our charitable objectives and understand our Confidentiality and Safeguarding Policies.
If you have questions or would like more information email chelt.refugees@gmail.com