Volunteer with us

We are not currently accepting applications to volunteer except for Hosts (scroll to the bottom of the page for more information).

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 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. Click on the links below to see information on each role:

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 might be able to support and train you for 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 online 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 then 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.

Volunteer Training

Once you start your role, we require our volunteers to attend training as part of the induction process. This includes an introduction to ASSIST session, confidentiality, safeguarding, and boundaries, as well as training dedicated to your specific role, such as Casework and Helpdesk volunteers.

Questions?

If you have questions or would like a chat about what volunteering for us is like, please contact us by phone on 0300 2010072, or email at admin@assistsheffield.org.uk

You can also join our newsletter and mailing list to receive updates about ASSIST.

Are you interested in hosting a person seeking sanctuary?

We are looking for compassionate individuals to provide a safe, welcoming space for people seeking asylum who are at risk of homelessness. No one should be forced to sleep on the streets, which is why we ensure our hosts and clients have all the support and advice they need. We provide dedicated expert advice throughout the entire process, including full access to our wider hosting network for peer connection and guidance. If you have a spare room for Sanctuary, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to admin@assistsheffield.org.uk.

 

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