Wakefield District City of Sanctuary would like to enable as many people as possible to create a welcome for the asylum seekers and refugees that arrive and are living in the Wakefield area. We offer a variety of opportunities to volunteer with us from simply making a food donation to helping at the drop-in centre or giving online English lessons. What seems like a small gesture can make the biggest difference.
Drop-In Centre
There are drop-in sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at The Sanctuary, St Michael’s Hall. Come along and see what we do. We hold a drama workshop on Tuesday afternoons. Would you like to help or participate? No acting experience necessary! More groups are needed in the week. Would you like to help in a social or conversation group for women? Could you be part of a Men’s board game group? Do you speak another language and could help translate conversations? If you would like to help at the centre please get in touch.
Clothing Store
People arriving often have few warm clothes or serviceable winter shoes. Our clothing store enables groups from around Yorkshire and beyond to both give and receive clothing for asylum seekers & refugees. New refugees and people not in initial accommodation, can visit the clothing store to request clothing, household items and bedding. We need volunteers to sort the clothing donations and also to assemble packs for weekly delivery to the appropriate accommodation for asylum seekers. You can also volunteer to look for items of clothing for people coming to the drop-in centre.
English classes
We offer online English classes via Zoom every morning and afternoon, Monday to Friday. If you would like to join our group of teachers please get in touch. No experience of teaching is necessary. We also offer face to face English classes on Tuesday afternoons at The Sanctuary. Our volunteers all say it is a rewarding experience.
Local Businesses
We are always in need of more support. If your business would like to help in any way please get in touch.
Advice
Do you have knowledge of the English benefits, education or health systems? Or a good general knowledge of the Wakefield area and the amenities people can access? If so, we would like to hear from you – you could make a big difference.
Helping asylum seekers and refugees volunteer
Asylum seekers are not permitted to work and refugees can find it difficult getting paid work. However, they are allowed to volunteer. This gives them a sense of self worth and also contributes to society. We need people to aid asylum seekers and refugees find volunteering opportunities.
Walk and Talks
We are always looking for people with an outgoing personality who can take walks around Wakefield with a small group of asylum seekers. Get in touch to volunteer!
Contact Us
If you would like to be involved either behind the scenes or sociably as a volunteer at the drop-in centre, please get in touch with Wakefield District City of Sanctuary on 07800 605397 or [email protected]