Volunteer Hub
Community Support Volunteer
Organisation Details
Gulab Sorkh Foundation
Sub theme: Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: Gulab Sorkh Foundation (GSF) is a UK-based charity supporting Afghan families as they rebuild their lives in the UK. Through our Communities for Afghans programme, funded by the UK Government, we’re helping 125 Afghan families resettle across Wales, the West Midlands, and Scotland.
We do this by bringing together volunteer sponsor groups, who each support one family with housing, practical help, and settling into daily life, alongside landlords, local councils, and community organisations. We also run ESOL classes, supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, and a trauma and mental health project shaped by the needs of the families themselves.
We do this by bringing together volunteer sponsor groups, who each support one family with housing, practical help, and settling into daily life, alongside landlords, local councils, and community organisations. We also run ESOL classes, supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, and a trauma and mental health project shaped by the needs of the families themselves.
Description of role: As part of the Government led Communities for Afghans programme, we are looking to recruit individuals or groups (UK BASED ONLY) to make up a team of 6 volunteers to support an Afghan family - you could be friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations are welcome.
We are currently focused on supporting families across Wales, West Midlands and Scotland but be keen to support elsewhere geographically where possible. With this in mind, you may live in these areas, but we are also delighted to bring volunteers together remotely to support a family.
You will be at the heart of this programme. It is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference!
The Communities for Afghans programme is a community-led Government initiative supporting families as they rebuild their lives in the UK. It is a Government-approved scheme that enables local people to welcome Afghan refugee families into their community. Volunteers will be supported by us to find housing for a family, provide practical and emotional support enabling them to settle into daily life and feel a genuine sense of belonging in the community.
How community sponsorship work
Form a Sponsor Group: Create a team of six or more volunteers — friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations.
Training & Ongoing Support: Our partners provide full training, so your group feels confident and well prepared. This simple, practical training is offered before you begin and continues throughout the sponsorship journey.
Identify Suitable Housing: With our guidance, your group helps find long-term accommodation. We then match an Afghan family of the appropriate size and ensure the property is suitable and affordable. Government funding is available for rent deposits and related costs.
Welcome & Support the Family: Volunteers help the family register with schools, healthcare, benefits, and local services, while introducing them to the community and supporting them as they adjust to life in the UK.
Be the Local Point of Contact: You act as the family’s trusted guide, helping them navigate the area, understand local systems, and access opportunities that only residents truly know.
Commit for Three Years: Sponsor groups support the family for three years, providing consistency as they grow in independence, confidence, and resilience.
Why Your Support Matters
Volunteering through Community Sponsorship is a powerful act of solidarity. You are not only helping one family — you are strengthening your entire community.
Your support helps families:
Rebuild their lives in safety and dignity
Access education, healthcare, and employment
Learn English and integrate into the community
Become confident and independent
And your community benefits:
Stronger local connections
Celebrated diversity
Practical meaningful humanitarian action
Full training and expenses covered.
We are currently focused on supporting families across Wales, West Midlands and Scotland but be keen to support elsewhere geographically where possible. With this in mind, you may live in these areas, but we are also delighted to bring volunteers together remotely to support a family.
You will be at the heart of this programme. It is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference!
The Communities for Afghans programme is a community-led Government initiative supporting families as they rebuild their lives in the UK. It is a Government-approved scheme that enables local people to welcome Afghan refugee families into their community. Volunteers will be supported by us to find housing for a family, provide practical and emotional support enabling them to settle into daily life and feel a genuine sense of belonging in the community.
How community sponsorship work
Form a Sponsor Group: Create a team of six or more volunteers — friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations.
Training & Ongoing Support: Our partners provide full training, so your group feels confident and well prepared. This simple, practical training is offered before you begin and continues throughout the sponsorship journey.
Identify Suitable Housing: With our guidance, your group helps find long-term accommodation. We then match an Afghan family of the appropriate size and ensure the property is suitable and affordable. Government funding is available for rent deposits and related costs.
Welcome & Support the Family: Volunteers help the family register with schools, healthcare, benefits, and local services, while introducing them to the community and supporting them as they adjust to life in the UK.
Be the Local Point of Contact: You act as the family’s trusted guide, helping them navigate the area, understand local systems, and access opportunities that only residents truly know.
Commit for Three Years: Sponsor groups support the family for three years, providing consistency as they grow in independence, confidence, and resilience.
Why Your Support Matters
Volunteering through Community Sponsorship is a powerful act of solidarity. You are not only helping one family — you are strengthening your entire community.
Your support helps families:
Rebuild their lives in safety and dignity
Access education, healthcare, and employment
Learn English and integrate into the community
Become confident and independent
And your community benefits:
Stronger local connections
Celebrated diversity
Practical meaningful humanitarian action
Full training and expenses covered.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Fundraising, Oral Communication Skills, Team Working
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday Morning, Monday Afternoon, Tuesday Morning, Tuesday Afternoon, Wednesday Morning, Wednesday Afternoon, Thursday Morning, Thursday Afternoon, Friday Morning, Friday Afternoon
DBS required: On
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 2 hours a day
Location:
Floors 1-3 4-5 High Town
Hereford
HR1 2AA