NWL ICS Asylum Seeker Volunteering

We have developed a standardised and consistent process to support refugees and asylum seekers into volunteering roles in the NHS across NWL ICS. Participation in volunteering will improve their opportunities for integration, skills development and widening their routes to careers. The refugee and asylum seekers volunteering project is part of a larger recruitment programme aimed at recruiting refugees into paid employment with partner organisations in the NHS across NWL.

A number of Asylum Seekers have been successful in securing volunteering roles within our health trusts and we have developed case studies reflecting their experiences.

Charles’ Story

Charles was born in Namibia and has a background in the IT sector for the past 7 years. He arrived in the UK in September 2022 with his wife.

Charles currently volunteers his time for West London Health Trust and decided to volunteer as he enjoys helping other people, he wanted to develop his social skills in the UK, get to know the working environment and to get out and see new places.

Charles applied online which presented him with some issues in regards to providing hotel details as a home address but overall he found the process easy. He was then contacted by the Volunteer Service Manager who talked through the roles available.

Charles is currently providing a meet and greet role but would also like to increase his volunteer hours and expand his role to support patients through working with Health Care Assistants.

Before his volunteer shifts he is really excited the night before and finds it hard to sleep. He always gets up really early so he can arrive before his shift starts.

Charles reflected on how he is made to feel like one of the team and it makes him want to volunteer again. On one volunteering day he completed a morning shift and there was a gap in volunteers for the afternoon shift and so he agreed cover as he was enjoying the day so much.

Charles’ dream is to be a successful employee in the NHS and is excited about developing new skills.

Bryony’s Story

Bryony’s was born in Uganda and arrived in the UK in 2022. She has a background in commerce and studied logistics at University.

Bryony wanted to volunteer in the NHS to give back to the community and help people. She also wanted to learn new skills and occupy her mind.

Bryony volunteers for Central London Community Healthcare and is a Meet and Greet Volunteer, which includes welcoming people and supporting patients with directions to their appointments.

Bryony applied through an engagement event and applied using her mobile which she found easy and was able to volunteer in two weeks. She had to do a lot of online training which she completed in the local library.

Bryony finds the volunteer experience to be really positive and feels part of the NHS family and has made a lot of friends.

Bryony wants to continue volunteering for the NHS and would love to volunteer in the finance and accounting departments which would also help her develop her skills further. She sees her future working in accounting for the NHS.