Volunteer with us

Our volunteers play a huge part in the work we do, bringing a wealth of experience and ensuring our vital services keep running. Volunteering with ASSIST is an opportunity to support and work with those seeking asylum on their journey towards experiencing greater stability, and to challenge destitution and the Hostile Environment by linking together material support and resistance!

Volunteer Roles

Volunteers can join ASSIST in a variety of roles. Some volunteers join one of the frontline teams and work directly with the people we support (e.g., providing casework, interpreting, house visits, offering information and signposting). Other roles support our larger networks and communities (e.g., events and fundraising), or work behind the scenes in areas like Finance, Administration, Grant writing, IT, and Communications.

Recruitment Update

Thank you to everyone who has applied for a volunteering role with ASSIST recently. Recruitment is currently paused. We are pleased to say that our application rounds open frequently throughout the year. If you are interested in a future role, we still encourage you to complete the application form to register your interest for when the next round opens. This helps us contact you directly when we are ready to recruit for specific volunteering roles, such as:

In the meantime, please keep an eye on this website page and social media channels for announcements regarding the next round of recruitment. You can also join our newsletter and mailing list to receive updates directly to your inbox.

If you would like a chat about making these roles more accessible to you, please use the contact details at the bottom of this page. We especially welcome volunteers with direct experience of seeking sanctuary or migration, either through your own life experience, or who are a second-generation migrant. If you do not meet all of the criteria for a specific role, we encourage you to still register your interest, as we can often support and train you during the role.

What is it like to volunteer with ASSIST?

Here are some of the things you might find valuable about volunteering with us:

  • Being part of a community of people challenging the conditions of those seeking sanctuary in the UK, and the systemic injustices of the migration system
  • Learning about the asylum and migration system in the UK
  • Being supported to learn or discover new skills
  • An opportunity to shape our work and services
  • We work to build joyful spaces as part of our collective empowerment and resilience

And many more.. No one experience is the same!

What support can you expect?

  • Induction training and shadowing to get you settled in, as well as regular training opportunities tailored to your role
  • Volunteer social events and other ASSIST events
  • We cover travel expenses and other essential costs involved in the volunteer role
  • Regular check-ins
  • Opportunity to develop skills and experience towards employment if desired
  • Opportunity to change roles if desired
  • A mutually supportive environment with other volunteers and staff 

How can I apply?

  1. Fill in the application form, providing us with details of the role(s) you are interested in, a description of your skills and experience, and the reasons why you would like to volunteer with us. You must be 18 or over to apply.
  2. We will review the applications and invite you for a chat if your skills or experience fit the role
  3. You will receive in-person training and an induction, tailored to your role.

We ask all applicants to provide us with the contact details of two referees: these can be people you know from work or volunteering, social or academic networks, community roles, or other responsibilities.

Certain roles, due to their nature, might additionally require a DBS check (i.e. a basic criminal record). The role description will indicate when this is the case, and the DBS check will be paid for by us.

Questions?

If you have questions or would like a chat about what volunteering for us is like, please contact Leah, our Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator, by phone on 07422655683, or email at volunteer@assistsheffield.org.uk

Are you interested in hosting a person seeking sanctuary?

We are no longer taking on new hosting volunteers. However, we work in close partnership with Refugees at Home and Hope at Home, two national networks that provide hosting placements for people seeking sanctuary.  Both are currently looking for hosts in South Yorkshire, so please get in touch with them

I have absolutely loved my time at ASSIST! It has been so helpful to me personally because it has shown me that I may want to specialise in immigration and asylum law in the future. All the volunteers are absolutely lovely as well :) - ASSIST volunteer

I was impressed by the team structure at ASSIST and the fact that they have defined task profiles for volunteers. It meant I could fit in quickly and start doing stuff that really helps. - ASSIST volunteer

I've learnt how an office works and I've gained more confidence - I've been able to interact with people of different backgrounds. It's been good work experience and will help me towards getting a job. - ASSIST volunteer

I don't have any qualifications here or in my home country, but now I see myself as important. People call me, ask me things - I'm important in this society. - ASSIST volunteer