Refugee support volunteers work in teams to provide support for former refugees as they embark on their resettlement journey. Teams are decided upon volunteer availability. We also try to match people with complimentary skills.
Volunteer tasks may include:
• Setting up a home for a refugee family/individual before they arrive,
• Helping the family enrol with schools and doctors,
• Budgeting, shopping, and how to use an ATM machine,
• Showing the family how to use public transport,
• Social visits,
• Generally explaining how things work in New Zealand.
If this sounds like something you might be interested, please fill in the form below, and you will be given the contact details for a Red Cross staff member who can answer any questions you may have. You will also be provided with a link to fill in more information for the Red Cross team.
You’ll receive comprehensive training in how to give practical and social support, as well as intercultural practice. The training takes approximately 8 hours and is delivered over several evenings and/or weekends. Sometimes training courses are offered during the day.
Refugee support volunteers work in teams and are supported by New Zealand Red Cross staff and other volunteers.
You’ll need to be familiar with your local area, open to working cross culturally, be resourceful and good at taking initiative.
You’ll need to be flexible. There are no set shift times for this role. The time you spend with a family will vary week to week. You will share responsibilities with your team depending on your availability. Volunteers need to commit at least four hours a week, but your time can be spread across the week. To apply for this role you will need to commit to volunteer for a period of either three or six months.
If you want a rewarding experience where you can gain new skills, foster a positive and inclusive local community and meet new people, join us as a refugee support volunteer. Next training date is 16th Nov.
The first 2 to 4 weeks of a placement are generally the busiest, filled with initial appointments and settling in tasks.
Volunteers work in teams and are generally active supporting a family for 6 weeks.
Getting started:
The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below.
We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.
Practical Help