Projects - Volunteer with us

What is volunteering with NERS?

"Quality volunteering comes as standard for scheme winners"

"NERS has recently been awarded the Quality Mark for volunteering.  We are one of 12 organisations that has received this award in the whole of the UK.

Three volunteer-involving organisations have scored sector “firsts” through the Investing in Volunteers (IiV) Quality Assurance scheme, run by national volunteering development agency Volunteering England. 

The Parks Trust, North of England Refugee Service (NERS) and the Cheshire Special Constabulary have set the standard in their respective sectors of Environment, Refugee and Asylum, and Police.........."  To view the full press release click here.

Volunteering with NERS is an exciting prospect for people from all sections of the community to give their time to helping to make a difference in the lives of asylum seekers and refugees.

Through our well-supported volunteer network we offer opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, mutual support and sharing of ideas and experience.
Our Volunteer programme brings together people from many communities, creating a rich diversity of cultural background within NERS. This gives a valuable resource for advice and support.

NERS could not function without the many volunteers who perform important roles in our organisation.

What can I get from volunteering with NERS?

• Gain vital work experience
• An opportunity to do something really different and help to improve peoples’ lives
• An opportunity to gain a more rounded CV and workplace skills to assist training applications and job applications
• An opportunity to gain new friends and to gain a valuable insight into other peoples’ cultures

Where would I be volunteering?

You can be placed in any of the four offices in the NE Region, depending on where your help, skills and enthusiasm are needed most and what your preferences are. NERS Offices are at Jesmond, Bigg Market-Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough.

Who would I be helping?

You could be working alongside professional staff to help:
• Clients, including refugees and asylum seekers

What would I do as a volunteer?

• Welcome and screen clients at the reception desk
• General Administration work – filing, letter writing etc
• Support work upon training
• General interpretation work within the office
• Befriending clients (Middlesbrough only at the moment)
• Any other work as directed and agreed with the Volunteer Coordinator from time to time

Who pays for volunteer expenses?

NERS meets volunteer travel expenses at the cost of public transport and part of the lunch expenses, provided you work a minimum 5hrs per session per day.

What qualification do I need?

None! At NERS we strongly believe that everybody has something to offer. Irrespective of your skills and experience, once you have made the commitment, we will provide the relevant training offering you an exciting volunteering opportunity with NERS.

Will I be given training?

When you start volunteering at any of our offices, you will be given practical help, training, and advice from the local Volunteer Coordinator, as well as a support worker who becomes your mentor. Training involves shadowing experienced workers, going through three training modules and external courses as seen relevant by the NERS Training Action Group, taking into account the resources available.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for NERS you can fill in our Application to work as a volunteer. 

NERS requires all voluntary and all paid workers to complete a Confidentiality Statement which has been linked for you to view.

All applications when completed should be sent to our Volunteer Coordinator who will get back to you when your application has been received.