JRS UK volunteers are integral to our work. Without our dedicated volunteers, we could not help those seeking asylum.
JRS UK is reliant of the support of over 100 volunteers who offer accompaniment and support to our refugee friends. Volunteers form a critical part of our team, and we always welcome applications from people wishing to share their time and skills with us. If you’re over 18 years old, and are able to commit to volunteering for at least 6 months, please do browse our current volunteering opportunities below.
Please check back on this page regularly, as we’re always updating this page as opportunities develop.
If you have a specific skill or talent that you wish to contribute to the work of JRS UK, but the volunteering opportunities available don’t quite fit, please do get in touch and share your ideas with us.
We encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups.
“I realise how fortunate I’ve been to have had the opportunity of being part of the big JRS family.”
Gael, JRS Volunteer
Do you have people skills, and a desire to raise awareness about refugees and asylum seekers?
JRS UK is looking for volunteers to represent and fundraise for JRS UK at parish-based events. This is a great way to share with others the reality refugees and asylum seekers face in the UK, to encourage people to start on their own journeys of social justice, and to help increase the capacity of JRS UK to continue walking with refugees.
This role will involve visiting parishes and speaking at Mass, or to local Justice & Peace groups.
The time commitment for this role is flexible to suit you! We encourage volunteers to hold an appeal in their own parish, but there is also the opportunity to visit other parishes, as well as going with JRS UK to festivals and events across the country.
Read more about the role here.
You will be supported by the team to do this and reimbursed for travel expenses. You will receive training and resources to equip you speak to others.
Do you have an eye for clothes and design?
JRS UK are looking for volunteers to assist in sorting, sourcing, repairing and making good quality clothing for people who are held at the Immigration Removal Centres near Heathrow Airport. Thousands of people experience immigration detention in the UK every year with no time limit on how long they will be detained. Those detained are often isolated and alone – providing quality clothing to meet people’s needs when they are in detention or when they are released can provide much needed support and dignity.
We welcome applications from those with a basic knowledge of sewing and an interest in design.
Minimum time commitment for this role is one day a week (Mondays if possible): 6 months
JRS will provide induction and support to all volunteers.
“They showed me acceptance and love…unconditional love. I felt like a part of the family, I truly felt at home.”
– Henry, an ‘At Home’ guest
JRS’s definition of hosting is when someone with a spare room accommodates a person seeking asylum as a ‘guest’.
One of the greatest challenges faced by the people accompanied and supported by JRS UK is the lack of accommodation. The JRS ‘At Home’ programme responds to this need through organising accommodation for an agreed period with individuals, families, parishes, and religious communities for people who would otherwise be homeless.
If you live in the London area and have the space, you could make a huge difference to the life of someone that we support.
Read more about At Home hosting scheme: jrsuk.net/at-home-hosting-scheme
“I strive to accompany them so that they know they have someone who will walk with them, without fear of judgement or condemnation.”
– Sr Vui, Detention Outreach volunteer
JRS UK are looking for volunteers to visit those who are held at the Immigration Removal Centres near Heathrow Airport. Thousands of people experience immigration detention in the UK every year with no time limit on how long they will be detained. Those detained are often isolated and alone – social visits provide a vital connection and source of strength to those detained.
Minimum time commitment for this role: 12 months
We particularly welcome applications from speakers of other languages especially: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Farsi, Kurmanji, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Sorani, Spanish, Urdu, Vietnamese.
JRS will provide induction and support to all volunteers.
“[gardening] helps me to focus my mind and stops me from worrying about my problems and whatever challenges I am experiencing.”
– Marium*, resident
We are looking for volunteers to take over our gardening project at our women’s house, Emilie House, and take on the exciting opportunity to set up gardening project at our new house for men, Amani House.
Our gardens require year-round attention to keep them in good condition for the residents seeking respite in our houses, and their visitors. The volunteers will guide and teach refugee friends about gardening so that they can learn a new skill as well as take ownership of caring for the garden.
Read the role description here.