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.”
“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.”
” 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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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 :This helps create a more inclusive and supportive environment for volunteers from asylum-seeking backgrounds.
- This ensures the process is easy to follow for those to whom English isnot a first language.
- Community centres, support groups, or local networks.
- Without money many asylum seeking women will avoid going out
- It is very hard for asylum seekers to get to places where they can volunteer
- Having well-defined roles can support the provision of honorariums and set expectations on both sides.
- Training should be thorough, ongoing, and adapted to different levels of experience.
- Understand that asylum seekers may face unpredictable challenges or restrictions; flexibility can make volunteering possible for them.
- Offering one-to-one emotional or psychological support can make a significant difference in their ability to engage.
*Some names have been altered