Be a part of the fantastic work done at RETAS! Contribute your passion and skills alongside developing new skills, employability and knowledge of the refugee sector.
The Value of Volunteers
The RETAS team is made up of both staff and volunteers, all working together to help refugees and asylum seekers. Volunteers are crucial to the delivery of our services and we couldn't manage without them! We welcome applications for volunteering from all backgrounds and aim to provide volunteers with significant support to help them to improve and develop as an individual.
During the COVID 19 pandemic we have been able to adapt our volunteer service to ensure volunteers can continue their roles as much as possible. Our current volunteer recruitment plans are on hold and will be reviewed in February 2021. Please check our website for further updates. In the meantime, please browse our volunteer page and blog to find out more information about volunteering with RETAS. We look forward to hearing from you in the future!
If you are looking for a work placement as part of your University or college studies, please also get in touch to see if we are able to accommodate your request.
During the COVID 19 pandemic we have been able to adapt our volunteer service to ensure volunteers can continue their roles as much as possible. Our current volunteer recruitment plans are on hold and will be reviewed in February 2021. Please check our website for further updates. In the meantime, please browse our volunteer page and blog to find out more information about volunteering with RETAS. We look forward to hearing from you in the future!
If you are looking for a work placement as part of your University or college studies, please also get in touch to see if we are able to accommodate your request.
Current Vacancies
All volunteer vacancies are currently on hold until February 2021.
Interpreters - Ongoing request for individuals with language skills and a willingness to do Level 1 Interpreting. Languages include Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Farsi, French and Kurdish.
Volunteer Support Assistant - General Drop-in Friday - on hold until February 2021
Volunteer Support Assistant - on hold until February 2021
28 Day Project Mentor - on hold until February 2021
Learning Support Assistant - on hold until February 2021
Receptionist & Administrative Assistant -on hold until February 2021
Volunteer Support Assistant - Housing Support Group - on hold until February 2021
Volunteer Support Assistant - on hold until February 2021
Volunteer Trustee Board Member - see Vacancies section for more details
Volunteer Support Assistant - General Drop-in Friday - on hold until February 2021
Volunteer Support Assistant - on hold until February 2021
28 Day Project Mentor - on hold until February 2021
Learning Support Assistant - on hold until February 2021
Receptionist & Administrative Assistant -on hold until February 2021
Volunteer Support Assistant - Housing Support Group - on hold until February 2021
Volunteer Support Assistant - on hold until February 2021
Volunteer Trustee Board Member - see Vacancies section for more details
Overview of our Volunteer Roles
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Welcome to Leeds VolunteerA varied role which involves welcoming new asylum seekers to the city of Leeds and facilitating pathways to their integration.
Both office based and external to the office, weekly commitment of 3 hours. Click here to find out more... |
“Going to RETAS is the highlight of my week. The work you do is extremely rewarding and the staff help to make you so much better at what you do” – Betty
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28 Day Transition MentorA role that involves assisting refugees in the time period from gaining refugee status, in order to avoid isolation and destitution. This is a challenging time when individuals have 28 days to secure accommodation, register for benefits and find a job.
Both office based & external; varied times & days. Click here to find out more... |
“Volunteering has not only improved my language, but also improved my confidence, and I will carry on for as long as I can” - Samuel
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Volunteer Support AssistantA varied role which involves supporting asylum seekers and refugees to integrate into the community, support with welfare issues, job seeking and educational needs.
Based at our Leeds Office, weekly commitment. Click here to find out more... |
"I volunteer because I want to improve my skills and I also enjoy helping people." - Hamid
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Reception & Administration VolunteerA crucial frontline role which involves providing a welcoming atmosphere to all service users and visitors to the building, ensuring every service user is helped or signposted to the right place.
Based at our Leeds Office, weekly commitment. Click here to find out more... |
"I volunteer to develop new skills and knowledge and to gain confidence" - Haymanot
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Learning Support AssistantA role that involves supporting asylum seekers and refugees and their tutors during ESOL (English Spoken as a Second Language) classes.
Based at our Leeds Office, weekly commitment. Click here to find out more... |
"I volunteer because I want to develop myself and help people as much as I can" - Walid
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering is a two way process... your support helps the organisation and its service users but we also aim to support you in your personal and professional development.
Benefits to the volunteer
- Feel that you are helping people make a successful transition into the UK.
- Meeting people from different cultures.
- Part of a thriving charity.
- New skills for your CV including time management, active listening skills, supporting people in a challenging situation.
- Make new friends.
- Potential to move onto other volunteer roles.
- Experience of volunteering in the UK.
- Full training program.
Impact
“I like volunteering in RETAS as I like to help others. The staff are very friendly and willing to support you too. Everyone is very helpful which creates a healthy, positive environment” 
Volunteering with RETAS has led to an incredible development in my personal and professional skills, confidence and aspirations for my future career path. I have been moulded by the continuous support provided by the staff and the inspiring perseverance of the service users I have worked with. - Georgia 
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"Volunteering with RETAS is a great thing to do! As a volunteer you are well-supported and included as a member of the team. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet amazing people and learn lots" - Megan 
“There's nothing more satisfying than walking away from RETAS after a day of volunteering, knowing that you have made a positive difference in somebody’s life in one way or another. It gives you a chance to meet a diverse range of people and learn about different cultures”. – Declan 
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