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.
We have a number of volunteer roles available and you can click into the roles below for more information. If you have a particular skill which is not listed below, please get in contact and we will see how we can incorporate this into our work.
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.
We have a number of volunteer roles available and you can click into the roles below for more information. If you have a particular skill which is not listed below, please get in contact and we will see how we can incorporate this into our work.
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
We are receiving applications for our next cohort of Volunteers starting in April 2020. If you are interested in volunteering with RETAS, please complete the application form (available under 'more info' for each volunteer role below) and we will be in contact as soon as possible.
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 - next cohort starting in April 2020
Volunteer Support Assistant - recruiting Employment & Education support - next cohort starting in April 2020
28 Day Project Mentor - next cohort starting in April 2020
Learning Support Assistant - next cohort starting in April 2020
Receptionist & Administrative Assistant -next cohort starting in April 2020
Volunteer Support Assistant - Housing Support Group - next cohort starting in April 2020
Volunteer Support Assistant - 28 day project - next cohort starting in April 2020
Volunteer Trustee Board Member - see Vacancies section for more details
Volunteer Support Assistant - General Drop-in Friday - next cohort starting in April 2020
Volunteer Support Assistant - recruiting Employment & Education support - next cohort starting in April 2020
28 Day Project Mentor - next cohort starting in April 2020
Learning Support Assistant - next cohort starting in April 2020
Receptionist & Administrative Assistant -next cohort starting in April 2020
Volunteer Support Assistant - Housing Support Group - next cohort starting in April 2020
Volunteer Support Assistant - 28 day project - next cohort starting in April 2020
Volunteer Trustee Board Member - see Vacancies section for more details
Overview of our Volunteer Roles
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No current vacancies
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“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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No current vacancies
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"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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