Kurdish Sorani-speaking Reception/Interpreting volunteer

Who we are:

Rainbow Haven began its work in 2003 after changes to asylum law and the asylum system in 2000 led to many asylum seekers being dispersed from the south east and housed in East Manchester. The initial pilot project developed into a twice weekly drop-in service which quickly became a respected and well used community resource.

The success of Rainbow Haven’s work in East Manchester led to another weekly drop-in being established in the Langworthy area of Salford. We have adapted to meet the changing needs of new arrivals, and continue to provide a place of welcome, support and opportunity for  asylum seekers, refugees and migrant workers new to Manchester and Salford.

Demand for our service continues, and we hope to continue to provide a community drop-in with all the support, activities and learning opportunities that make Rainbow Haven a unique community resource for as long as the need for our work is there.

What are we looking for?

This is an excellent role for those who are new to volunteering, or those who would like to find out more about Rainbow Haven and the work that we do.

We are especially keen for a Kurdish speaker with decent English (doesn’t need to be perfect!) to join, as we have a gap for this language.

What would you be doing as a volunteer?

Reception volunteers staff our reception desk and are responsible for greeting clients and welcoming them to Rainbow Haven, directing clients to the services they need, and providing information about other services we offer, such as our timetable of activities. Volunteers with language skills also support our advice team by interpreting during appointments or over the phone. They also support the Drop-in Coordinator by helping to ensure the drop-in is running smoothly, and that is a safe, clean and welcoming space for clients. 

There are different times available for this role:

• Our drop-in is open 9-3 Tuesdays and Thursdays, with shifts starting at 9 or 9.30.
• We have activities on Wednesdays 10-2, so shifts can start from 9.30.
• We have some appointments on Fridays, so there may be opportunities for occasional shifts then, or volunteering by telephone, on top of another shift Tuesday-Thursday.