Become a Red Cross Refugee Support Volunteer and make a difference!

We are looking for people like YOU to welcome, support and settle new former refugee families and individuals arriving and joining our Palmerston North community.

Our next volunteer training:

Saturday 23 November 2024 Interested – then please contact John for more information:

Email: [email protected] Text: 027 223 5972

Role description

Families start again, while learning about new cultures, meeting new people and changing lives (including their own!).

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.

Your tasks 

You’ll be helping people navigate life in a new country, which might include:  

• Setting up a home for a family or individual before they move in.
• Connecting people with schools, English classes, GPs, and other services.  
• Helping the family navigate the city or town using public transport.
• Learning about another culture and sharing your own.  
• Being a friendly, welcoming presence.  

Location

Refugee Support Volunteers mostly serve out in the community based on the families needs. Volunteer training and meetings are hosted at the Red Cross Service Centre.

Volunteer requirements and training 

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 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.