Volunteer
We have a large network of volunteers who come from all walks of life and have different expertise, but they all share a passion to use their skills to support our displaced community. We couldn’t do what we do without their help.
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We want all our volunteers to feel valued and supported and to enjoy the experience. We hold regular volunteer get-togethers and training sessions, and offer support and supervision as needed.
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Volunteering with Elmbridge CAN and especially Oxana and her family has been incredibly rewarding for me. I have not only developed a great new connection but I also feel a sense of purpose and usefulness in being able to impart my local knowledge and use my network to help such a lovely, hard-working family.
Charlotte
We are always looking for new volunteers, particularly those who can fill our current vacancies - see list below. If you’re interested in any of these roles, please complete our application form. If your profile doesn’t match any of these roles but you’re enthusiastic and committed, please fill in the form anyway and we’ll be in touch for an informal chat about how you could contribute.
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We're sorry but we can't generally accept applications from under 18s (except in very limited circumstances where they are accompanied by a parent).
Current volunteer vacancies
Trustees
We are looking for new trustees to join our dedicated trustee board. We are particularly interested in individuals who have a background in one of these areas: charity trusteeship, other third sector management, safeguarding or risk management. We always very much welcome applications from people who have experience of being displaced or of the UK asylum system.
More detailed information is available here. Please apply by CV and covering letter to contact@elmbridgecan.org.uk.
Community fundraisers
Fundraising is always a key priority, so we can remain sustainable and keep supporting as many displaced people as possible, who desperately need our help. We would love to hear from anyone who would like to organise local community fundraisers. This could be anything from bake sales to social events - tell us your ideas and we'll do our best to support you!
Handypersons
​If you have good DIY skills and some time to spare, we'd love to hear from you! We often help people setting up new homes, with practical matters such as building or adapting furniture and putting up curtains. This is a valuable role which makes a real difference to families.
Van owners
We are always looking for drivers with vans or large vehicles to help with house moves or ad hoc deliveries. Please let us know if this could be you.
ESOL teachers and subject-specific tutors
Our clients want to learn English, so they can make friends, find work and access essential services. Their children want to study, so they can build a better future and enjoy opportunities their parents never had. Read our story about young people from Syria who are living examples of this.
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If you're a qualified ESOL teacher, or an experienced teacher of GCSE level Maths, English, Science, and/or any A level subjects, we'd love to hear from you. We would also consider young adult tutors who have recently sat these exams.
Employment mentors
We are looking for more volunteers to work one-to-one with clients to help them get a foot on the employment ladder. Some of our employment mentors have a background in HR or recruitment but this is not essential; sharing your own experience of the recruitment process is often enough.
Translators and interpreters
We are always keen to hear from prospective volunteers with knowledge of the main languages spoken by our clients, such as Ukrainian, Russian, Arabic, Farsi, Pashto or Dari.
Volunteer expenses
We recognise that volunteers will incur expenses and we aim to reimburse all reasonable expenses as swiftly and simply as possible, while maintaining adequate controls. To find out more, please read our volunteer expense policy.
Elmbridge CAN has made a big difference to me and my family. Many, many thanks to all the volunteers.
Oxana