GLOUCESTERSHIRE ACTION FOR REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS
Gloucestershire
Part-time
Volunteer English Teacher Position Title: Volunteer English Teacher (ESOL) Reports to: GARAS Volunteer Coordinator &/ GARAS Lead Tutor Location: Gloucestershire (either teaching adults in an asylum hotel or teaching young people at the GARAS centre) Time Commitment: A minimum of 1 ‘session’ per week (typically approx. 3 hours) Role Overview: Volunteer teachers will be responsible for preparing class material and designing lessons that cover all aspects of the English language (reading, writing, speaking and listening). They will keep track of students’ progress and give assessments as needed to identify the needs of the class. Teachers will be responsible for creating a positive class environment and encouraging students to improve. They will create diverse activities to engage students and encourage learning. Main responsibilities Volunteer teachers will be responsible for preparing class material and designing lessons that cover all aspects of the English language (reading, writing, speaking and listening). They will keep track of students’ progress and give assessments as needed to identify the needs of the class. Teachers will be responsible for creating a positive class environment and encouraging students to improve. They will create diverse activities to engage students and encourage learning. Main Duties and Responsibilities Organise classwork and learning materials Assess students’ progress and write reports Ensure classes are appropriate for asylum seeker and refugee learners Work as part of a team to provide multi-level learning Set and mark homework to ensure students continue their learning outside of the class environment Requirements Preferably hold an TESOL qualification (Trinity TESOL, CELTA) Use English as their first language or have used English for an extended period of time The ability to create classes using multiple formats (paper handouts, board work, conversation, PowerPoint, etc.) High levels of patience and resilience, with great communication skills Excellent interpersonal skill to allow learners feel comfortable and relaxed Undertake training from GARAS where appropriate Maintain relevant boundaries with students, referring them to GARAS Advice Workers when appropriate Abide by GARAS confidentiality requirements Skills and Qualities Required: Good organisational skills and attention to detail Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously A proactive and team-oriented attitude Basic IT skills (email, photocopying) Strong communication skills Friendly, approachable, and professional demeanor
GLOUCESTERSHIRE ACTION FOR REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS
Gloucester and surrounding areas
Part-time
Volunteer Role: Transport Support for GARAS Clients Location: Gloucester and surrounding areas Hours: Ad hoc / flexible – as needed Expenses: Mileage reimbursed at 45p per mile Role Overview : GARAS (Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers) is looking for compassionate and reliable volunteers to help support our clients by providing occasional transport. This could include accompanying individuals to interviews, legal or medical appointments, or helping them navigate public transport routes. Key Responsibilities: ● Transport clients to and from essential appointments (e.g. GP, solicitor, interviews) ● Occasionally meet clients at bus stops or help them access public transport ● Offer a supportive and friendly presence during journeys or appointments ● Communicate with the GARAS team to confirm arrangements Requirements: ● A full, clean driving licence ● Access to your own roadworthy vehicle ● Willingness to undergo a DBS check (arranged and paid for by GARAS) ● Business use insurance (GARAS will support you in notifying your insurer and cover any related costs) ● A calm, patient and non-judgemental approach ● Understanding and respect for confidentiality and diversity What We Offer: ● Full training and ongoing support ● Reimbursement of mileage at 45p per mile ● Opportunities to make a meaningful impact in someone’s life ● Join a friendly and supportive volunteer community
Volunteer Role Description for bike volunteer Role Title: Bike Volunteer Location: GARAS Office Reports to: Volunteer Coordinator /Advice Team Manager Time Commitment: 1-2 days per week Duration: Ongoing Overview: The GARAS Bike Volunteer plays a vital role in supporting asylum seekers in Gloucester by sourcing, repairing, and delivering donated bicycles. This helps individuals access transport for appointments, education, and community integration. This is a service we can only offer to asylum seekers currently due to funding. Key Responsibilities: ● Bike Donations & Collection ○ Use local Facebook groups and social media to request bike donations from Gloucester residents. ○ Arrange convenient collection times and transport bikes to GARAS using a personal car and trailer. Collect bikes from The Charity Bike Shop in Leckhampton for delivery to GARAS. ● Assessment & Repairs Inspect donated bikes and assess required repairs or parts. ○ ○ Use salvaged parts from other bikes when possible to reduce costs. ○ Purchase essential repair components (e.g., cables, tubes, oils, grips, puncture repair kits) when necessary. ● Bike Maintenance ○ Perform general bike repairs including: ■ Fixing and adjusting brakes, tyres, inner tubes, cables, gears, and selectors. ■ Tuning and oiling moving parts. ○ Test ride bikes to ensure they are safe and fully functional before delivery. ● Tools & Equipment ○ Use personal tools (e.g., electric grinder, bolt cutter) for bike repairs. ○ Maintain a small supply of essential tools and parts for efficient repairs. ● Community Engagement & Promotion ○ Promote the GARAS Bike Project and share success stories on Facebook and local social media. ○ Occasionally sell and deliver refurbished bikes through local platforms to raise funds for parts and maintenance costs. ● Waste Management ○ Coordinate the removal and recycling of scrap or unusable bikes. Skills and Qualities: ● Basic mechanical knowledge and confidence in bike repair and maintenance. ● Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work independently. ● Good communication skills, especially for coordinating with donors and promoting on social media. Supportive of GARAS’s mission to assist asylum seekers and refugees. Support Provided: ● Reimbursement for essential parts and materials purchased. ● Coordination and occasional support from GARAS staff and volunteers. Opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the community.
Volunteer Drop In Welcomer Position Title: Volunteer Welcomer Reports to: Ellen Pearce Location: GARAS office Time Commitment: Wednesdays or Fridays, 9.45am - 3pm Role Overview: As a Volunteer Welcomer at GARAS (Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers), you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and welcoming environment for clients, staff, and visitors. You will be involved in various administrative, organisational, and practical tasks that directly support GARAS' services for refugees and asylum seekers. You will welcome each client, providing tea/coffee, and ascertain which staff member clients need to see. The waiting room is often busy, so Welcomers keep the waiting list in order, managing the flow of clients and liaising with advisors. Our Welcomers are the most important face of GARAS, helping clients to feel welcomed, safe and comfortable. Key Responsibilities: 1. Client Welcoming: ○ Greet any clients attending, ensure they are comfortable, and ask them why they have come in today? With this information using the staff top 5 information sheet - assign a member of staff to help them with this question. Write this in the drop in sheet and give them the correct number to keep. If a simple request please assist the client with this. This could be…arranging doctors appointments, photocopying, or other simple tasks. ○ 2. Prepare refreshments for clients: ○ Regularly keep the urn topped up. ○ Consider cultural issues. Are people fasting? ○ Complete checks on refreshments quantity and purchase replacements if necessary (money to come from petty cash). 3. Answering the Doorbell and Phone: ○ Answer the doorbell and phone calls professionally and promptly. ○ If someone needs to leave a message, follow up by letting the relevant staff member know, or use the telephone notes available. 4. Kitchen Maintenance: ○ Ensure the kitchen is kept tidy and that all items are put away correctly. ○ Clean all surfaces when you leave. ○ Please tidy the waiting room regularly and check all correct when left. 5. Food Bank: ○ On Friday, food donations are given out. Clients that qualify for this service will hold a ‘Friday Food’ card. ○ Clients are seen in order of attendance. Information will have been gathered on the drop in list. 6. Drop-In Sheet Folder: ○ Keep the drop-in sheet folder (in the kitchen) topped up with necessary documents. 7. Other tasks, if you have time ○ In the morning we will create a list of possible jobs to do that day. These could be updating lamplight; HC1 Forms; other admin tasks; etc ○ Litter picking outside: ensure the outside area is tidy and welcoming by regularly picking up litter. ○ Sort and display crockery donations in an organised manner. Skills and Qualities Required: Strong communication skills. Friendly, approachable, and professional demeanor. Good organisational skills and attention to detail. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. A proactive and team-oriented attitude. Basic IT skills (email, photocopying). Excellent interpersonal skills, allowing clients to feel comfortable and relaxed. High levels of patience and resilience. Undertake training from GARAS where appropriate. Maintain relevant boundaries with clients. Abide by GARAS confidentiality requirements. Each morning we will discuss extra jobs that could be completed that day Impact: Your role will contribute to the efficient running of the centre, helping to create a welcoming and supportive environment for refugees and asylum seekers. Volunteers like you ensure that clients receive the support they need in an organised and timely manner.
Volunteer Welcomer – Monday Position Title: Volunteer Welcomer (Monday) Reports to: Ellen Pearce Location: GARAS Office Time Commitment: Monday, 9:45am – 3:00pm Role Overview As a Monday Volunteer Welcomer at GARAS (Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers), you will play a central role in supporting our busiest day of the week. Mondays are booking days, where clients attend to request appointments for the coming week. You will be the first point of contact for clients, helping them feel welcomed, safe, and supported from the moment they arrive. Your role includes managing the waiting list, helping clients reach the correct member of staff (including the triage worker and Flora), guiding people through the booking process, and ensuring that the drop-in runs smoothly and respectfully. You are one of the most important and visible faces of GARAS on a Monday. Key Responsibilities Client Welcoming ● Greet all clients warmly as they arrive and find out what they need today. ● Write each client’s name and number to add them to the waiting list for Monday’s booking system. ● Direct clients to: ○ The triager of the day, ○ A staff member they already have an appointment with, or ○ Flora, who is available every Monday 10am–12pm for all technological support needs. ● Check existing appointments using the reception laptop. ● With training, recognise emergencies and ensure these are escalated immediately to staff. Emergencies include: ○ Immediate homelessness ○ Imminent appeal deadlines ○ Domestic violence ● Support simple client requests where possible (e.g., photocopying, Registering new clients, solicitor emails, universal credit. ● Manage the waiting list and coordinate the flow of clients through the drop-in, keeping staff informed. Booking Support for Specialist Volunteers (These volunteers are not available on Mondays, but you may support clients to book for later in the week.) ● Medical Volunteer (Wednesday & Friday, 12:30pm–3pm): Book appointments using the reception laptop (training provided). ● Driving Licence & Travel Document Volunteer (Friday): Book appointments for clients who need this support. Refreshments ● Prepare and offer tea/coffee to clients. ● Keep the hot water urn topped up throughout the day. ● Be mindful of cultural or religious considerations (e.g., clients who may be fasting). ● Monitor refreshment supplies and speak to Ellen if replacements are needed (petty cash available). Answering the Doorbell and Phone ● On Mondays, the front door is open between 10am and 4pm. ● Outside these times, please answer the doorbell promptly. ● If someone needs to leave a message, pass it to the appropriate staff member or record it in the telephone notes. Kitchen and Waiting Room Maintenance ● Keep the kitchen tidy, clean surfaces regularly, and ensure everything is put away correctly. ● Maintain a clean and welcoming waiting room, tidying it periodically throughout the day. Food Bank (For reference only – this runs on Fridays, but Monday Welcomers may need general awareness.) ● Food distribution starts at 9:30am on Fridays for clients with a valid ‘Friday Food’ card. ● If asked on a Monday, please direct clients to speak to the advice team about eligibility. Additional Tasks (When Time Allows) ● Complete tasks from the laptop job list (e.g., updating Lamplight, HC1 forms, general admin). ● Litter pick outside to keep the entrance area clean and welcoming. ● Sort and display crockery donations neatly and logically. ● Additional daily jobs will be discussed each morning. Skills and Qualities Required ● Strong communication skills with a friendly, approachable manner. ● Good organisational ability and confidence managing a busy environment. ● Patience, resilience, and a calm and reassuring presence. ● Basic IT skills (email, laptop use, photocopying). ● Ability to work proactively as part of a supportive team. ● Commitment to maintaining boundaries and confidentiality. ● Willingness to participate in GARAS training when required. Impact of the Role Volunteer Welcomers are crucial to the smooth running of GARAS’s Monday drop-in. Your support ensures that clients are welcomed with dignity and respect and that their appointment needs are processed efficiently. By managing the waiting system, directing clients, and offering a calm presence, you enable staff to provide effective and timely support to refugees and asylum seekers at a time when they need it most.
Volunteer Welcomer – Friday Position Title: Volunteer Welcomer (Friday) Reports to: Ellen Pearce Location: GARAS Office Time Commitment: Fridays, 9:15am – 3:00pm Role Overview As a Volunteer Welcomer at GARAS (Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers), you will play a vital role in creating a warm, safe, and organised environment for all clients. You will be the first point of contact for those attending the service, welcoming clients, helping them navigate our services, and supporting the flow of the day. Welcomers manage the waiting room, maintain the appointment list, and liaise closely with staff and advisors. You are one of the most important and visible faces of GARAS—helping clients feel comfortable, respected, and supported. Key Responsibilities Client Welcoming ● Greet all clients as they arrive, ensure they feel welcomed, and ask what they need today. ● Check whether they have an appointment and confirm details using the reception laptop. ● If a client does not have an appointment: ○ Remind them that Monday is booking day unless it is an emergency. ○ Emergencies include immediate homelessness—always seek a staff member straight away. ● Support simple client requests when possible (e.g., photocopying). ● Manage the waiting list, keeping the flow of clients organised and communicating with advisors as needed. Booking Support for Specialist Volunteers ● Medical Volunteer (Wednesday & Friday, 12:30pm–3pm): Book appointments using the reception laptop (training provided). ● Driving Licence & Travel Document Volunteer (Friday): Book appointments for any client needing support with these tasks. Refreshments ● Prepare and offer tea/coffee to clients. ● Regularly top up the hot water urn. ● Be mindful of cultural or religious considerations (e.g., fasting). ● Monitor refreshment supplies and discuss with Ellen if replacements can be made. (petty cash available). Answering the Doorbell and Phone ● Answer the doorbell and phone promptly and politely. ● If a message needs to be passed on, inform the relevant staff member or use the telephone notes provided. Kitchen and Waiting Room Maintenance ● Keep the kitchen tidy and ensure all items are put away correctly. ● Clean surfaces before leaving for the day. ● Regularly check and tidy the waiting room to keep it welcoming and organised. Food Bank (Fridays Only) ● Food distribution begins at 9:30am. ● Clients must present a valid ‘Friday Food’ card. ● Clients are seen in order of arrival; attendance details will be recorded on the drop-in list. ● If a client does not have a food card, speak to a member of the advice team to confirm eligibility. Additional Tasks (when time allows) ● Complete tasks from the laptop job list (e.g., updating Lamplight, HC1 forms, simple admin tasks). ● Litter pick outside to keep the entrance area clean and welcoming. ● Sort and display crockery donations neatly and logically. Additional jobs for the day will be discussed each morning. Skills and Qualities Required ● Strong communication skills and a welcoming, approachable manner. ● Good organisational skills and ability to multitask. ● Patience, resilience, and a calm presence. ● Basic IT skills (email, internet use, photocopying). ● Ability to work proactively as part of a busy team. ● A commitment to maintaining professional boundaries and client confidentiality. ● Willingness to undertake relevant GARAS training. Impact of the Role Volunteer Welcomers are essential to the smooth running of the drop-in service. Your support helps ensure that clients feel safe, respected, and cared for from the moment they walk through the door. By managing the flow of the day and providing practical help, you enable the GARAS team to deliver meaningful, timely support to those seeking refuge and assistance.