We really need volunteers!

Many people have been moved by the recent tragic events in Afghanistan. However, we already have many refugees and asylum seekers, many from Afghanistan, already in the local area who are from countries where people are experiencing equally as horrendous violent conflict, oppression and persecution and really need our help. Care4Calais South West London group are looking after 256 asylum seekers in hotels in Wimbledon and Kingston, who are living off just £8 a week and are not allowed to work. Many have been in the hotels for months. The charity provides essentials as well as support with English learning, the asylum process and accessing the NHS.

Volunteers are very much needed to fill the following roles:

• helping with Friday distributions in Colliers Wood 10.30am-1pm

• Kingston Hospital area Tuesday distributions 4.45-6pm

• donation sourcing and sorting - flexible

• Someone to manage English learning provision: keep abreast of online and in person classes/courses, inform asylum seekers and help them access these

• direct support for asylum seekers: eg signposting to local services (information is provided) at drop in session or via phone

• Remote organisational/admin support roles eg helping asylum seekers make appointments, Friday volunteers spreadsheet

• fundraising - flexible

• Events organisers e.g. social events such as picnics, arts and crafts sessions.

Communications Officer

Social media:

• Role description: develop and creatively/proactively manage Twitter and Facebook accounts in order to raise their profile to bring in more volunteers and donations (most content provided by team)

• connect with other similar organisations and ensure that they are actively involved in relevant networks and campaigns

• raise awareness of the plight of refugees and their stories.

• Personal specification: ideally experienced in proactive social media engagement

• an effective content manager who is able to leverage tools and platforms to increase reach, engagement and impact.

Press publicity:

• Help raise the profile of their work and educate people about the refugee experience through engaging with local online and print media and sending out press releases eg after events.

You will need to be able to commit 3 hours a week for a year.

If nothing on this list appeals to you, you can have a chat with the main coordinator about possible roles - there are many opportunities to use your skills to help! Please email wandsworthwelcomesrefugees@gmail.com and your details will be passed on.