Why I chose to volunteer

Sisters Not Strangers

This week, as we mark Volunteers' Week 2025, we asked our members about their experiences with volunteering, and this is what they said:

"Volunteered for five years. I was not allowed to work as an asylum seeker and I

wanted to keep myself useful while I waited for my decision. I was introduced to

amazing people who are still friends now. I volunteered as a housing officer for a

charity within the migration sector, I was supporting homeless asylum seekers to

get into charity accommodation. As humans we have to try and support other

people to make their lives better. I attended loads of good trainings that helped

me to understand what to do in my voluntary role. They also covered my

transport which enabled me to help people properly as I was not on any benefit.

When I was given right to work, I continued to volunteer with them.

Then a time came the charity was looking for a new housing officer. I applied for

the job because of my experience in the same role as a volunteer. But they

employed someone else.  I was disappointed so I stopped volunteering with

them. I now volunteer at my church."

-Agnes Tanoh

"I choose to volunteer because I like helping people, I guide people to go through what they don't understand and how to go about things and to let them know how the community works and to boost up their confidence."

-Bosede

" Yes, I have volunteered for many years. I began volunteering back in my home

country because I strongly believe in supporting others and growing through

learning from different people and communities. It was a way for me to contribute,

connect, and develop myself.

When I came to the UK, I continued volunteering for several reasons. It helped

me to improve my English language skills, understand the culture, reduce

isolation, and integrate into society. It also gave me a chance to meet people and

build friendships during a time when I felt very alone.

Through my volunteer work, I brought with me a wealth of skills gained through

years of both paid and unpaid work. I also offered different perspectives,

experiences, and knowledge that come from my background and journey. In

return, volunteering has helped me build my confidence, deepen my

understanding of how things work in the UK, and feel more connected to the

communities around me.

However, I’ve also faced challenges. Sometimes, there is limited support for

volunteers, especially when trying to transition into paid jobs or leadership roles.

There can be barriers such as lack of trust or limited opportunities for

progression, which can be frustrating.

Despite these challenges, my belief in volunteering remains strong. I see it as a

powerful doorway into society a way to contribute, belong, and become an active,

valued citizen."

-Dr Ibtisam Farah

"In my own case I volunteered but there was nothing like a bus pass or any

expenses. I was using the money home office was giving me for food. This is

because I needed to volunteer to fill the gap I identified between paid workers

and the women the charity was supporting. I wanted to use my lived experiences

to help other women. I also did not want to just sit around at home. I started going

to school to study but my charity said I am unreliable. This is despite the fact that

I explained I was studying. That was it."

-Ebenebe

“Volunteering gave me a sense of purpose and community. I volunteered in many

different organisations and this helped me develop a networking perspective. I

worked in Banking back home and was able to gain useful skills and the

experience that enabled me to go straight into a paid role when I received leave

to remain. I made good friends who encouraged and supported me when I felt

down. They are still close friends now.”

-Thani

"Why I chose to volunteer:

a) I  was free with a lot time on my hands, and wanted to do something  practical

that made me feel useful.

b) meet new people, and learn new skills.

My experience was good  in some places I volunteered. I was treated with

respect, I felt included when it came to staff/volunteer meetings, I was able to

share my experience. However one organisation  I volunteered  with did not

respect the agreement I had with them, I  was required to work longer times than

expected, I did not feel part of a team, and I was excluded most times in group

discussions."

- Zaituni

"Volunteering can be rewarding. For me It was a privilege. It was a chance for me

to learn new skills and support people from all backgrounds facing various

challenges. I am just grateful I was supported in my role as a volunteer. It made

all the difference in my life and that of those I was entrusted to help."

- Loraine Masiya Mponela 

"Yes, I have volunteered before. I chose to do so because I wanted to give back to my community and make an impact on the lives of others. Volunteering allowed me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and learn about their experiences. Additionally, I believe that contributing my time and skills to help others is a meaningful way to spend my free time, especially while I am still a refugee.

When I started volunteering, I had no idea what it entailed, but over time, my experiences taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, empathy, and the importance of community service. For instance, I worked at the Food Bank, sang and danced for the little ones at Stay and Play, assisted with baby massage, collaborated with HARP (NHS) to help new mothers register for health services and bus passes, and many more initiatives. Working with families has motivated me to advocate for social change.

Volunteering has not only allowed me to help others but has also significantly contributed to my personal growth. I've developed new skills, such as communication, which are essential in both my academic and personal life. Moreover, these experiences have instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility and a desire to continue contributing to my community. Overall, volunteering has been a rewarding journey that has shaped my perspective on life and reinforced the importance of helping others."

-Anita

"I chose to volunteer as a way of giving back to the community. It was a rewarding

experience seeing the positive impact of the support I offered was truly fulfilling.

The lessons I learned during that time continue to serve as valuable tools in my

personal life today.

My further suggestions for organisations who wish to attract some of the talented

women seeking refuge who are currently isolated at home :

• Develop a good understanding of the asylum process.

This helps create a more inclusive and supportive environment for volunteers

from asylum-seeking backgrounds.

• Simplify and clarify the application process.

This ensures the process is easy to follow for those to whom English isnot a first

language.

• promote opportunities in places accessible to asylum seekers such as

community centres, support groups, or local networks.

Without money many asylum seeking women will avoid going out

• If possible offer transport costs

It is very hard for asylum seekers to get to places where they can volunteer

• Clearly define volunteer roles.

Having well-defined roles can support the provision of honorariums and set

expectations on both sides.

• Offer consistent and accessible training.

Training should be thorough, ongoing, and adapted to different levels of

experience.

• Be flexible.

Understand that asylum seekers may face unpredictable challenges or

restrictions; flexibility can make volunteering possible for them.

• Provide mental health support where possible.

Offering one-to-one emotional or psychological support can make a significant

difference in their ability to engage. "

-Comfort Etimu

*Some names have been altered