We are currently not accepting new volunteers. Our volunteer team is at capacity. If you are interested in volunteering please visit this page in the future or follow us on social media for updates about future opportunities to get involved!
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.
Things to Consider Before Applying for a Volunteer Role
- Our volunteer opportunities require availability during our opening hours: Monday- 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
Please complete our online volunteer application form.
Alternatively, please download the forms and send by email to [email protected] or post to The Sanctuary, 37 – 39 Chapel Walk, Sheffield, S1 2PD
Once you have filled in an application you will then be invited to an induction session, which are held approximately once a month. After the induction, we will contact your references. Then you will have a discussion with Alexi (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.
If you have any questions please contact Alexi, City of Sanctuary Sheffield’s Volunteer Coordinator: by email: [email protected]; by text or WhatsApp: 07494036559 or visit The Sanctuary, 37-39 Chapel Walk, S1 2PD; Monday – Thursday 10 am – 4 pm.
Starting your role and support from City of Sanctuary Sheffield
- Following the induction, you will be contacted by the staff member who will be supporting you in your role.
- You will receive role-specific training.
- We provide ongoing 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 input and foster team spirit.
- 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.