3 Ways You Can Help Refugees and Asylum Seekers in South West London
In today’s world, where we are seemingly moving from crisis to crisis, it can often feel like our best efforts are in vain. Not knowing where to send your support, or even how to help those who need it, can be overwhelming to know how you can help. We see the horrors that refugees and asylum seekers have had to leave behind all too often on our screens, they have had to live it and endure long and heartbreaking journeys, only to be some of the most vulnerable people in our society once they arrive. At Refugee Action Kingston, we are committed to welcoming and helping refugees and asylum seekers who arrive in our borough and across South West London. If you would like to support us in our mission to help refugees and asylum seekers create a brighter future in which they can thrive, look at the 3 ways you can help.
Donate
One of the most immediate, impactful ways you can make a difference to our work is by donating. We are so grateful to all our supporters and your donation could go towards:
Giving them a voice and ensuring they receive the support they need, through our advice and advocacy service
Providing essential items to refugees and asylum seekers in need, who would otherwise be surviving on just £9 a week
Supporting young people who arrive traumatised, having to learn a new language and establish new friendships.
No matter how big or small, your donation goes towards making a tangible difference in someone’s life. We are also always looking for clean, quality, clothing, shoes and other items. If you’re cleaning out your wardrobe, please keep us in mind!
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Volunteer
We couldn’t survive as a charity without our dedicated, passionate team of volunteers and we are always seeking new people across the whole of Refugee Action Kingston. You could volunteer in the following areas:
Volunteer interpreters: We currently have a particular need for Ukrainian, Russian, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Farsi, Korean, Kurdish (Kurmanji and Sorani), Mandarin, Tamil, Sinhalese and Vietnamese speakers.
Volunteer counsellors: We need Qualified Volunteer Counsellors with experience of trauma and PTSD who can spare some time once a week to see clients.
Volunteer advice assistants: We are looking for volunteers to support our Advisors to deliver the Welfare Advice services. We offer training and supervision and ask for a weekly commitment of three hours.
Social media influencers: We are looking for budding influencers who care about refugees and want to help curate content for our social media outlets. We are looking for people who can commit to 2-3 hours a week.
ESOL teachers: We are looking for qualified ESOL teachers and/or people with experience of teaching English in the community. We have an urgent need to increase capacity.
Bright Futures Volunteers: Do you have a teaching qualification and want to volunteer supporting school age children? We deliver a homework club once a week after school on a Thursday.
Find out more on our volunteer page or contact us today!
Share
Share our messages: It costs nothing, takes a few seconds, but is an invaluable way of spreading awareness about Refugee Action Kingston’s work to inspire a more open, empathetic society. Use your social media platforms, your voice and your networks to share our stories, statistics and successes. Use the content on our website and our socials to educate your friends, family and colleagues about the challenges that refugees and asylum seekers face. By addressing misinformation, challenging stereotypes and fostering empathy, you can help magnify Refugee Action Kingston’s work sustaining a compassionate, caring community in Kingston-Upon-Thames.
If you have any questions, please contact us today!