Refugee Week 2026 is a timely reminder of the value people seeking sanctuary bring to our communities. This year’s theme, Courage, reflects the strength it takes to rebuild life in a new place, and the many ways people can contribute when they have the opportunity to get involved. This Refugee Week, we’re highlighting how your organisation can welcome people seeking sanctuary as volunteers.
Volunteering can be a positive and rewarding experience for everyone involved. For people seeking sanctuary, it offers a chance to be part of community life, share what they can bring and make new connections. For organisations, it’s an opportunity to build a stronger, more diverse volunteer team.
Many people seeking sanctuary bring valuable skills, knowledge and experience. Opening up volunteering roles to them can add real value to your organisation while also helping to support local services.
Volunteering can also help people feel more settled in their community. It creates opportunities to meet others, build confidence and get to know everyday life in a new place. For many people, those connections can make a real difference.
For organisations, welcoming people from different backgrounds can bring fresh ideas and a wider understanding of the communities you serve. It can strengthen the way services are shaped and delivered, especially when working with diverse communities. It also helps build greater awareness across teams and volunteers.
Volunteering can also support people as they move towards employment. It offers local experience, references and a chance to show commitment, which can help when looking for paid work.
By welcoming people seeking sanctuary into volunteer roles, organisations show a clear commitment to inclusion and fairness. It’s a practical way to build stronger relationships across communities and create a more open, welcoming environment.
Overall, inclusive volunteering benefits everyone. It gives people a chance to contribute and connect, while helping organisations build services that are more resilient, varied and community-focused.
Resources
Emma Ross from SkillsMatch at West End Refugee Service hosts this interactive presentation on making volunteering more accessible for people seeking sanctuary. It explores how to support individuals, including those living in temporary accommodation and unable to work, who are looking for meaningful ways to get involved.
Elements Training Portal – Introduction to Inclusive Volunteering (free training)
Ten top tips for including refugee volunteers from Volunteer Scotland
Make Your Mark – Inclusive Volunteering Toolkit
Doing Good Leeds – Inclusive Volunteering Toolkit
Make Your Mark – Co-design volunteering taster session case study
North of Tyne volunteering information (multiple languages):
