Volunteer with Refugee Action Kingston

Every role at RAK has real impact on those we work with, and we’re delighted that you’ve taken an interest in volunteering with us.

Volunteers deliver programmes, teach, mentor, offer advice and advocacy, and assist with administration.  We can’t do our work without the dedicated people who offer their skills and time to help improve the lives of others.

Our friends from Good Gym

Volunteer roles we’re currently recruiting for:

How else can I volunteer? 

Aside from the positions we’re currently recruiting for, there are volunteering opportunities across all of our services.

Do you have a qualification or an area of expertise that can support us in delivering a programme? Perhaps you’re looking to upskill in something new. Or maybe you simply have time on your hands!

Whatever your motivation, we’re always interested to hear from people who can offer their time and skills as:

  • Counsellors

  • Solicitors

  • Job Hub coaches

  • Interpreters (Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, Korean, Kurdish [Kurmanji and Sorani], Mandarin, Tamil, Sinhalese or Vietnamese)

  • Advisers

  • ESOL teachers

  • Creatives (e.g. yoga or art teachers)

  • Homework Club assistants

  • Social media assistants

Head to What we offer to find out more about how each service works.

If you’re interested in one of the positions mentioned above, or if you have a skill not listed that you think would provide value to clients at RAK, email volunteer@refugeeactionkingston.org.uk with a bit of information about yourself and where you’d like to offer your assistance. We'll be in touch with next steps (see FAQs below).

What we can offer you:

  • Gain experience in a highly respected organisation

  • Obtain skills that can be useful in your personal or professional development

  • Work in a supportive team of passionate and likeminded individuals

  • Receive training and ongoing support from your manager and the volunteer co-ordinator

  • Attend social events with staff and volunteers

  • Flexibility to be remote with some roles

We welcome interest from all applicants, including those with lived experience.

Volunteers at the community hub

FAQs

We’ll give you clear guidance and training about your role. You’ll always be with a member of staff – we don’t expect you to volunteer alone. You’ll see your RAK manager every week, and you’ll have access to the volunteer manager and CEO if you have any concerns.

You’ll also get to know your team of volunteers, and you’ll be invited to all RAK client events, including health and wellbeing days, friendship days and lots more.

“We have two volunteer parties a year, usually in summer and winter, and we send regular updates on roles and projects that you might like to get involved in. If you’re on socials, we hope you’ll follow us and share our work.”

What’s the commitment?

This depends on the area you intend to operate in. However, we usually ask for a minimum of one hour on a weekly basis, with an initial six-month commitment.

We operate Monday-Thursday during office hours, with occasional opportunities to volunteer in the evening or at weekends.

Where do you operate?

We have an office in Kingston and use community venues in and around the centre of Kingston. 

Most roles are in-person, while some of our roles can be conducted remotely – please reach out to our volunteer co-ordinator if you’d like to know more about roles by location. 

How do I apply?

If you’re interested in one of our open volunteer roles, click on the description for details on how to apply.

If you’re interested in another aspect of volunteering, email volunteer@refugeeactionkingston.org.uk with a little bit about yourself and what you’d like to offer.

I’ve applied - what happens next?

Our volunteer co-ordinator will be in touch to begin the process, which includes completing an application form along with two references.

We’ll contact your referees to discuss suitability for the role and you’ll then complete a volunteer induction before signing the volunteer agreement.

Do I need to undergo a DBS check?

Yes, RAK requires all volunteers to undergo a DBS check regardless of the area they choose to volunteer in*.

Volunteers must also complete an online safeguarding course.

*With the exception of corporate volunteering.

If I’m accessing RAK’s services myself, can I volunteer?

If you’re currently a client of RAK’s, we ask that this is completed before you begin volunteering.

Do you cover travel and other costs?

RAK can reimburse travel and lunch expenses incurred while volunteering.

Do you offer corporate volunteering?

Yes.

To understand more about corporate volunteering and other opportunities to partner with us, head to Become a partner.

Meet Rohan* - Refugee Action Kingston Stories

"I volunteered in Refugee Action Kingston's supplementary school for nine months and it has been one of the most enriching experiences I've had in many years. I grew up in Kingston and then moved back here later in life to work as a local secondary school teacher. As Kingston is a place close to my heart, I wanted to make sure those arriving to our town were given the best and most welcoming start to their time here. But also, as the grandson of internally displaced refugees, I knew RAK was doing essential work in the community and I wanted to be a part of it.

‘All the students that have come through the door have been grateful, kind, enthusiastic learners, they've never failed to raise my spirits even when I've felt jaded about the world around me. I volunteered once a week for an hour and a half, usually delivering English classes, although occasionally we assisted our students with other subjects like art, or everyday tasks, or just played some games! The RAK co-ordinators are incredibly hardworking and always supported me in delivering these sessions, I never once felt lost or unskilled. In fact, volunteering in the supplementary school I'm sure made me a better teacher.’

‘While sometimes I've felt unmotivated to go to my day job, it was never a chore coming to RAK because I could tangibly feel the impact we were having on the young people that were reaching out to us. You'll need patience to teach English to some of the students from the ground up, but it's one of the most rewarding and important experiences for anyone who can dedicate just a little of their time."

*Name changed.