Refugee Centre Volunteer

The international church in our city operates a community centre for the many thousands of people living here as refugees. By using a trauma-informed approach which focuses on welcome and life-giving relationships we seek to be an expression of love and care for those who are here seeking safety.

Our community centre is an inclusive space and we have volunteers from a wide range of ages and nationalities. There are currently opportunities to assist with programs and activities including language clubs (spoken English and the local language) a therapeutic art club for women (especially with child care) administrative duties and hospitality for our friends who are refugees. Positive relationships are the cornerstone of our work being friendly and open to appropriate cross-cultural friendship is vital. While not strictly necessary spoken Arabic or Persian (Dari/Farsi) would be extremely helpful. Note that in order to maintain an environment of predictability short-term volunteers must be prepared to serve for a minimum of six months (preferably twelve months).

Volunteers at the community centre will be eager to reflect the character of Christ as they interact with people from often-conservative cultural and religious backgrounds. The needs and lives of these people can be unpredictable so personal flexibility and a willingness to help out in whatever capacity that is needed is essential. Some understanding of the psychological and emotional issues that forced displacement and trauma can produce will be very helpful as are strong self-care skills. All volunteers should be prepared to work within a multi-ethnic team.

Interserve is committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children.