WHAT DO VOLUNTEERS DO?

Refugee Support Volunteers are a friendly face and supportive guide.

After training, volunteers begin their placement with a newly arrived family or individual.

They work in teams to provide support and often find they become good friends with their team members.

Teams are decided upon volunteer availability. Red Cross tries to match people with complementary skills.

What could you do:

■ Setting up a home for a refugee family/individual before they arrive.

■ Helping the family enrol with schools and doctors.

■ Budgeting, shopping and how to use an ATM.

■ Showing the family how to use public transport.

■ Social visits.

■ Generally explaining how things work in New Zealand.

The first two to four weeks of a placement are generally the busiest, filled with initial appointments and settling in tasks.

After the first six weeks, less time is required as the family becomes more settled.

By this stage volunteers typically spend time with their family or individual on a weekly basis.

All Refugee Support Volunteers take part in a comprehensive, multi-day training and are expected to attend each session. Training programmes are run in each of the settlement areas at varying times throughout the year.

Volunteers also receive mentoring and support throughout their placement.

Each training programme covers a range of topics including:

■ An introduction to the refugee experience.

■ The role of the refugee support volunteer teams and teamwork.

■ Refugee health, well-being and education.

■ Key support services.

■ Culture.

The training programme in Levin is:

■ Friday 22 May, 6pm-9pm

■ Saturday 23 May, 9am-4pm

■ Friday 5 June, 6pm to 9pm

■ Saturday 6 June 9am-4 pm

You can sign up as a volunteer via the Red Cross website: www.redcross.org.nz/get-involved/volunteeropportunities/refugee-support-volunteer/ or email/phone: wellington@redcross.org.nz — 04 805 0304.