Ways to get involved

If you want to help refugees feel welcome in our community, there are many ways to help. First, become a member, so we can send you news and you can let us know your interests and skills should you wish to become a volunteer. Our volunteers help with DIY, fundraising, gardening, bid writing and more. We also need the hands-on support of befrienders, teachers, assistants at social events and helpers at our weekly crèche. We are also always happy to receive donations.

We need people to help both here in Bath and further afield. Even giving up house or garage space can assist our donations team in being able to accept the many kind offerings that come our way towards furnishing refugee homes.

Whatever your skills or availability, you can help!

Giving of your time

If you can spare a couple of hours on a regular weekly basis or commit in other ways to making a difference here in our community, please get in touch. Take a look at the different teams or contact our membership secretary to explore the many opportunities we offer – or come up with your own suggestions for ways to make a difference, raise funds or raise awareness. We’d love to hear from you.

Contact us

Language

Join our team of qualified and experienced teachers offering English language lessons for all ages. We also provide homework support and basic literacy skills. We teach children and adults, beginners and advanced learners. Help us to give the gift of our language and the confidence to utilise it well and to thrive in a life in the UK.

Donations

The Donations of Goods Team is responsible for preparing and equipping the houses when new refugee families arrive or move in to the area. Due to people's generosity, this is mostly through donated items though we also have to purchase some items new, such as mattresses, bedlinen and towels. We ensure people feel welcomed by finding a house that is thoughtfully furnished and in good repair with toys and books for the children and kitchen cupboards stocked with food. Please get in touch if you have items suitable for donating or if you have garage or indoor space that you could spare to store things in. Thank you.

Employability

The employability team at BWR provides one to one support for individuals looking for work in the local area. Our support covers a broad range of activities including talking to people about their abilities, interests and goals and how to reach these goals by exploring learning and work opportunities. We help people think about how to approach their job search, find and apply to jobs and provide support with CV writing and personal statements. If you feel you have skills or contacts that could assist, please let us know.

Resettlement and Befriending

Resettlement and Befriending volunteers provide a range of support to welcome new families and help them settle into the local area. This role varies depending on the needs of each family but is likely to include both practical and emotional support. The underlying principle is to provide support in a way which empowers people and encourages independence.

  • Social group

    Our social group meets monthly to offer friendship and support in a relaxed setting. Adults and children are able to come together and socialise with the support of a small team of volunteers. As well as chatting with people, and offering information or help if needed, volunteers organise children's activities and refreshments during the afternoon.

  • Gardening

    Our team of volunteers are experienced gardeners with some knowledge of horticulture who want to support refugee families coming to Bath. We renovate the gardens on properties that will house these families. Currently there are no vacancies on this team.

  • Fundraising

    BWR fundraising events have so far included Syrian feasts, music events, quiz nights, 50/50 clothing sales, sponsorship challenges, online selling and jumble sales. We are always looking for new members for the fundraising team, whether you want to help on the day at events, help plan and organise events or to help generate interest from local businesses, we would like to hear from you.

  • Beyond Bath

    This team is about campaigning and looking at the wider refugee picture in order to maintain awareness of what is happening around the world. We also co-ordinate with other refugee charities to collate donations for Calais, raise funds and supplies, and generate goodwill for good causes that harmonise with our own views and ideals.

  • Become a member

    Join our growing membership and stay informed about our events and activities. Fill out our membership form, or write to [email protected] if you have questions.

    Membership form

  • Supporting us financially

    If you would like to offer financial support, visit our Local Giving page or write to [email protected] for other ways to donate.

    Local Giving