Join us as a volunteer and join the movement working to make Sheffield a place of safety and welcome for people seeking sanctuary.
Volunteering at City of Sanctuary Sheffield is a chance to make a real difference in your local community and connect with people who hold the same vision of a city that is safe and welcoming to all.
Volunteers are involved in all our teams and bring a huge amount of experience to the work we do. At City of Sanctuary Sheffield community is at the heart of what we do and all of our volunteers are central to this. We work with resilience and joy and always work to find cause for connection and celebration.
Between us there is power to build the change we want to see.
What is it like to volunteer at City of Sanctuary Sheffield?
I was made to feel extremely welcome and part of the family straight away. Everyone I have met has been warm, friendly, kind, and caring, and I really look forward to coming to volunteer each day.
The Sanctuary provides an invaluable service and is a well organised and professional body.
I enjoy my time with the family of volunteers very much and thank staff for support.
For me it feels a privilege to be able to spend time in the sanctuary with people who have become my friends as well as new people each week. It feels it’s become a sanctuary for me as well – a place where no one judges, and everyone is an amazing human being in their own way. It’s such an important part of my life! Thank you for the opportunity!
I liked volunteering with City of Sanctuary Sheffield, because the people who work and volunteer there are AMAZING!!!!
Volunteer Roles
Volunteers can join the City of Sanctuary Sheffield team in a wide variety of roles.
We welcome volunteers who have lived experience of seeking sanctuary or migration to the UK and can offer additional support and opportunities. We also have opportunities available for people who are improving their English.
If you are interested in volunteering with us, please read the instructions below and follow the link to fill in the volunteer application form.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Nes (Volunteer Coordinator)
Email: Ian.Nesbitt@sheffield.cityofsanctuary.org
Phone: 07386 215 246
Read on to find out more about some of the volunteering opportunities available across our fantastic teams:
Things to Consider Before Applying for a Volunteer Role
- Our volunteer opportunities require availability during our opening hours: Monday & Wednesday 10am – 1pm, Tuesday & Thursday 10 am – 4 pm.
- We can only accommodate volunteers who are aged 18 or over.
- We ask that volunteers can commit to a morning or afternoon (three hours) per week, for a minimum of three months.
If this doesn’t fit your availability, please explore these volunteering opportunities at some of other incredible organisations that work across Sheffield to support people seeking sanctuary.
How to Apply
To volunteer with us please fill in the volunteer application form here.
- Once you have filled in an application you will be sent a list of available roles before the next induction session, which are held approximately once a month.
- If you wish to apply for any of the roles available, please book a place at the induction by responding to the email. Please do not apply for roles that are outside your skillset and expertise.
- After the induction, we will contact your referees. Then you will have a discussion with our Volunteer Coordinator about which role would be best for you. This is based on your personal preference, your skills, the days that you can commit to volunteering and our capacity in each area.
Support from City of Sanctuary Sheffield
- Following the induction, you will be contacted by a staff member who will support you in your role.
- You will also receive role-specific and general training. Some recent training sessions include; Safeguarding and Boundaries, Basic First Aid, Signposting and An Introduction to Campaigning.
- We aim to support volunteers in their further personal and professional development beyond volunteering.
- All volunteers have the opportunity to change roles and learn new skills in the future.
- Volunteer mutual support sessions, facilitated by a psychologist or trainee psychologist, are organised to help process emotions and issues arising from supporting our service users and visitors.
- We also organise regular volunteer social gatherings to show appreciation for their work and help build community.
- Volunteer expenses. We aim to eliminate the financial barriers to volunteering and make it accessible to as broad a cross-section of society as possible (especially people seeking asylum) by reimbursing any out-of-pocket expenses. This would normally cover travel costs and lunch (if the volunteer is required to be present all day).