Gurjit Purewal only joined us as a volunteer a few months ago but has already had huge positive impact, including driving a few new initiatives aimed at enabling refugees and asylum seekers to access sports and wellbeing activities. Here – in his own words – is his story and a roundup of the work he’s been doing as a Sanctuary volunteer…

I started volunteering for SiC in September last year. After some 30 years of living and working in London, I found myself with some spare time and wanted to give back to the community.

My parents came to the UK from India in the 60’s. I grew up in a Sikh, Punjabi-speaking household, not speaking English until I went to school, so I really appreciate some of the day-to-day challenges faced by SiC’s beneficiaries, and I know my parents would have been deeply appreciative of the kind of support offered by the charity, had it been available to them.

I began my volunteering with SiC by providing lifts to the weekly drop-in sessions, and from day one I met some wonderful people, and the volunteers, trustees and employees are incredible. It’s deeply rewarding supporting the beneficiaries, from very diverse and difficult backgrounds, and I have found my volunteering involvement increasing.

I have always considered myself to be incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to enjoy different sports all my life, particularly football, cricket, cycling and golf. I appreciate the positive physical and mental aspects of regular exercise and team sports, and immediately recognised the huge potential value of this for SiC beneficiaries, particularly those living in the hotel, so it seemed natural to get involved in the sports and wellbeing activities of the charity. 

Initially, whilst the weather wasn’t too wet or cold, I arranged sessions for a small group of beneficiaries at the golf range. They hadn’t heard of golf before but were soon picking up new skills and loved it. Together with some other volunteers, I also helped to encourage beneficiaries to take part in Chichester’s weekly Park Run and began to attend the fantastic Nations United football sessions, which Matt Hall, another SIC volunteer, leads. The football is very popular, and whilst I no longer play (unless they need an aging centre back to make up a team), I support by encouraging other beneficiaries to participate, giving lifts to players who otherwise would not be able to attend, and generally supporting the team of Nations United volunteers. 

Recently, we have started women’s sports and wellness sessions and regular indoor cricket nets, both of which are taking root and growing in popularity. The women have really enjoyed badminton and gym sessions, and we are exploring the possibilities of introducing Zumba or Pilates classes and even starting a netball team. As for cricket, it has been incredibly rewarding seeing the beneficiaries developing their batting and bowling skills or picking up a bat for the first time since leaving their native country, and it would be great to increase the reach further and to start a team for some friendly matches. A huge thank you to Westgate Leisure and the University of Chichester for allowing us to use their top-class facilities. 

The beneficiaries are so grateful for sports and wellbeing sessions. They provide an opportunity to bond, make new friends and a much-needed escape from worries and trauma. Their smiles, laughter and sheer pleasure, is so rewarding to see.

Going forward it would be great to have more volunteers join this important and developing area of SiC’s work. I would particularly value someone to help with the ladies’ sessions – Zumba and netball aren’t my strength! Cricket volunteers would also be helpful.

Thank you Gurjit for all your work on this! If anyone reading this or someone they know might be able to support Gurjit’s efforts, please head over to our volunteering page and fill out the application form >>