Migrant Helpline Volunteer Benefits and Training.

Apart from all the usual benefits that volunteering brings (eg improving/learning skills and making new friends), Migrant Helpline volunteers:

• learn about issues surrounding UK asyulm and refugee policy
• are supported by two full-time volunteer co-ordinators and supervisors
• can access a wide range of relevent training
• are seen as integral members of their team

We also provide volunteer induction sessions and encourage volunteers to take their time observing their role until they are fully confident in carrying it out on their own.

Six-monthly volunteer meetings provide an opportunity to learn about and discuss recent organisational developments.

Volunteer Training

Migrant Helpline volunteers benefit from a variety of training opportunities.

Training is either directly relevant to volunteers' roles (eg English teaching techniques) or more generally of interest to anyone working or volunteering in the asylum and refugee field (eg Human Rights awareness, Mental Wellbeing of Refugees and Asylum Seekers).

Training courses are organised throughout the year and advertised to all volunteers. They are free to attend for Migrant Helpline volunteers and travel can be reimbursed.

Feedback from training course participants:

"I liked the collaborative approach and the sense that we need each other's experience/contribution. I liked the informality."

"Excellent - thank you! A Saturday well spent."

"Excellent combination of presentation, discussion, case study exercises."

Supervision

Each Migrant Helpline volunteer has a named supervisor who looks after the volunteer on a day-to-day basis, ensuring that volunteers are confident, competent and happy in their role.

We endeavour to give volunteers an opportunity every six weeks or so to discuss their volunteering, share successes and flag up difficulties.

We are committed to addressing any problems that may arise.