Volunteering Ready Programme

The aim of Volunteering Ready is to place prepared clients in contact with organisations that utilise volunteers. The programme is specifically designed to help newly arrived asylum seekers and organisations in the wider community. The aim is to get those asylum seekers who have become clients of Migrant Helpline 'volunteering ready', through supporting the enhancement of their skills and helping them access meaningful volunteer opportunities in their dispersal areas across the UK.

The Immigration and Nationality Directorate of the Home Office encourages the involvement of asylum seekers in volunteering, where work is "unpaid and is carried out on behalf of a charity, voluntary organisation or body that raises funds for either, or in the public sector then it will be accepted for immigration law purposes as volunteering." (www.ind.homeolffice.gov.uk)

Benefits for an organisation participating in the Volunteering Ready Programme:

• Gain motivated, flexible and often highly skilled volunteers.
• Gain access to fresh ideas and perceptions from unique individuals from an incredible range of varying backgrounds.
• Promote integration within the local community.
• Show a commitment to equal opportunities.

Benefits for asylum seekers:

• Learn new skills and develop existing ones.
• Make a valid contribution to the local community.
• Increase personal confidence and motivation at a time of possible insecurity, isolation and/or depression.
• Learn about British culture and gain experience of the UK work environment.
• Make friends and valuable contacts within the various employment sectors.
• Improve spoken and written English skills.

If you are interested in offering asylum seekers volunteering opportunities in your organisation or if you would like to find out more information about the project please contact us.