We’re looking for a families lead. This is a voluntary (unpaid) role which is also a RCoS committee position.
Here’s a rare opportunity to become closely involved in the resettlement and integration of 6 Syrian refugee families in Ripon, with the support of all our other committee members and volunteers:
- 3 families came on the government UKRS scheme in Novemer 2021
- 2 families are due to be brought by us on our Community Sponsorship scheme in April 2022
- 2 families are due to be brought by the government UKRS scheme in April 2022
Your role will be a mix of befriending; sourcing or providing practical support; offering common-sense advice; and easing the families’ successful entry into British society.
This is an important role, in terms of the impact you could have plus the love you’ll probably want to put into it. It might occasionally be challenging, but it will be immensely rewarding, with lots of warmth and laughter along the way. You’ll have a direct and positive impact on the families’ lives.
You won’t be expected to do everything yourself; rather, to have an overarching view of the families’ comfort and needs, and to co-ordinate fulfilling those needs. You’ll occasionally liaise with NYCC, the Refugee Council locally, and other organisations.
One day you might be taking the family to the park, another time you might be filling in a form for them, and another time you might be trying to get their washing machine fixed.
What are we looking for?
Don’t be put off by thinking you need experience doing this, or a lot of knowledge about refugees, or if you don’t speak Arabic! None of that’s needed. We’re looking for someone who:
- has a deep concern for, and interest in, refugees and their wellbeing
- has a sensible head on their shoulders
- is good at working as part of a team and shares information in a timely and thorough manner
- has a sense of humour but is also an empathetic listener
- has good organisational skills and a knack for getting things done quickly and efficiently
- is good at enlisting the help of others
- will feel confident talking to people on behalf of the families
- enjoys learning new things
- has an observant eye
- lives in Ripon (or close by) and has their own transport.
We’ll help you through the learning curve, providing lots of training and information about all kinds of things – from what resettlement entails to the issues refugees face, cultural differences, and more. You must also do our GDPR training, and read/subscribe to all of our policies. At all times, you’ll be able to reach a more experienced RCoS member at the end of a phone or email.
You’ll attend our committmee meetings (usually every 8 weeks), reporting in on your work and the families’ wellbeing. We’d also love your contributions to the discussions about our wider work.
You’ll need DBS clearance: either a portable certificate if you already have one, or we will arrange for one for you.
We’d be happy to have more than one person join – besides the families lead, we’d like to take on one or more supporting volunteers (not committee positions).
Please get in touch:
Nicola David | Call 07966 44414 | Email [email protected]