Volunteer

As part of the University of Sanctuary initiative, we offer support and guidance to UEA students who wish to volunteer with local organisations who support local sanctuary seekers.

UEA students who volunteer through the initiative are also encouraged to take part in the UEA Awards programme.

Please find details below of some of the local organisations and projects working within Norfolk to support asylum seekers and refugees in Norwich.

For more information and guidance on how you can get involved please email the Sanctuary Liaison Officer.

New Routes Integration New Routes support refugees, asylum seekers and isolated migrants, and promote cross-cultural integration and community awareness. They offer: English classes Mentoring and befriending Youth Activities Women’s groups

People from Abroad Team  The People from Abroad team is part of Adult Social Services and Norfolk County Council. One of the projects they manage is the ‘Syrian Refugee Resettlement’ project, which is run in conjunction with the Home Office and the UN High Commission for Refugees. They support Syrian refugees by providing: Support to rehome newly arrived families Wellbeing and orientation support Intensive English language education Befriending

English+ English + is a Christian charity that supports new communities in Norwich to learn English and form friendships. They welcome anyone who finds themselves isolated by lack of English language including refugees and asylum seekers; beginners and advanced; young and old; all faiths and none. They provide: English and conversation classes Skills and employment focused courses Craft, sports outings volunteering opportunities

Norwich International Youth Project NIYP support young people in Norfolk who are asylum seekers, refugees or otherwise displaced from their country of origin. They do this by offering: English classes Weekly youth club

The Bridge Plus+ The Bridge Plus+ is a Norfolk based black/Asian and minority ethnic (BME) organisation aimed at improving community cohesion through innovative community engagement activities and service delivery to promote race equality and community cohesion. They provide: Information advice and guidance Community lunches BME Voices magazine Employment support

British Red Cross The British Red Cross supports vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers. They do this by providing practical items and support, including: Food parcels and vouchers, clothes, toiletries, blankets and travel vouchers Benefits and career advice Health care – registering with a GP or dentist Orientation support

The Grange The Grange is a family home and smallholding in Great Cressingham, which opens its doors to people from near and far. They support people who have survived torture and extreme violence and those fleeing persecution. Every week participants can learn different skills such as painting, weaving, ceramics, cooking and agriculture.

The Friendship The Friend Ship is a non-profit-making Community Interest Company that uses the arts to address important social issues. They do this by organising skill sharing arts workshops, exhibitions and events to empower refugees and asylum seekers to reclaim their voice, have fun, make new friends and feel a part of their new home.