Sanctuary in Chichester is expanding its volunteer team to meet growing need. We’re seeking compassionate individuals who can commit their time and skills to support various impactful and rewarding roles within our organisation. Current volunteer opportunities include:

Drivers:
We urgently need volunteer drivers to assist with transporting refugees to essential medical appointments and Home Office interviews among a number of other things. We seek volunteers with their own vehicle, a valid driving licence, and the ability to commit to regular driving duties. This role is crucial in helping our beneficiaries access necessary services, educational opportunities and more, because public transport is unaffordable and – for those with disabilities, young children or who are unwell or elderly – unaccessible.

Befrienders:
We also urgently need volunteer befrienders, both individuals and couples, to support families in Bognor, Tangmere, Bracklesham and Chichester. Befrienders help families settle into UK life, offering friendship and practical assistance. This role involves helping beneficiaries understand local resources, assisting with medical appointments, and generally facilitating their integration into the community. The role evolves over time, increasingly encouraging independence among the families we support.

English Tutors:
There is a significant demand for ESOL-qualified tutors to teach English to learners of various ages, linguistic backgrounds and levels of literacy in their own languages. If you have TEFL or ESOL qualifications and can dedicate at least an hour per week, we really need your expertise to reduce our waiting list for English learning support.

Pathways to Independence Mentors:
We’re looking for career and employment mentors, and other volunteers able to support beneficiaries with accessing, progressing and thriving in education, training and employment. Your knowledge and networks could significantly impact a refugee’s ability to navigate and succeed in the UK job market.

We would also be very grateful to anyone who is able to provide work experience, internship or job opportunities for refugees.

Volunteer Administrator:
We’re also seeking a volunteer to help with administrative tasks on a part-time basis for our Pathways to Independence programme, supporting the smooth operation and ensuring optimum positive impact of this key component of Sanctuary in Chichester’s work.

Get Involved: If you are empathetic, resilient, and have practical skills to offer, please consider joining our incredible team. Seeing those you support recover from traumatic experiences, grow in confidence and begin to thrive is extremely rewarding, and your fellow volunteers and our staff are always there to support you through challenges and help out. To apply for any volunteer roles or learn more, please fill out the Volunteer Application Form, or email us directly at contact@sanctuaryinchichester.org.