Advocacy Volunteer
Hackney Migrant Centre
At Hackney Migrant Centre, we provide essential support to refugees, asylum seekers, and other migrants in need, offering free, expert advice on immigration and welfare. We are seeking volunteers to join our Wednesday advice and support sessions for migrants and refugees to assist them with immediate issues.
At Hackney Migrant Centre, we provide essential support to refugees, asylum seekers, and other migrants in need, offering free, expert advice on immigration and welfare. Our services extend beyond advice—we create a welcoming and community space where individuals can access a warm meals, connect with others, and feel part of a supportive community. We are seeking volunteers to join our Wednesday advice and support sessions for migrants and refugees to assist them with immediate issues such as access to primary care health services, help with financial support such as food bank vouchers, opening bank or email accounts. Advocacy volunteers help visitors with a range of tasks, including: • GP registration • Obtaining free prescriptions (HC2 certificates) • Accessing free school meals • Applying for a Freedom Pass or Oyster Card • Food Bank vouchers • Baby Bank referrals • Signposting to other relevant services • Applying for individual charitable grants • Opening Bank Accounts • Signing up for Email Accounts • Support accessing eVISAs
Advice, Information & Support
Admin, Basic IT skills - internet & email, Organising & Planning, Reading & Writing
Basic IT skills, good written and spoken English and ability to write clear and accurate notes. A commitment to social justice and supporting the rights of refugees and migrants Patient calm manner and ability to listen empathetically, be non-judgemental Ability to work in a team Some basic knowledge of recent immigration policy and the Hostile Environment and its impact on the rights of migrants and refugees is desirable but not essential. An ability to speak a language other than English is an advantage.
Volunteering at HMC provides an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of our visitors and to help build solidarity within our community. We work with a supportive team of volunteers – many themselves migrants and former visitors to HMC. The work provides experience and knowledge in the specific areas of migration, housing, health and welfare policy – and further training on these is available. This experience has helped many of our volunteers to find work within the voluntary sector or to study relevant subject areas.
Volunteers are expected to do at least one session monthly, Wednesdays, 9.00 – 17.00 and to commit to volunteering for at least six months.
N16 9ES
St Mary's Centre, Stoke Newington Church Street.
Bus 73 0r 476 or 393 stopping at top of Albion Road then short walk along Stoke Newington Church Street past the Rose & Crown pub, then St Mary's Church. Take first left into Spensley Walk then approx 50 metres down turn left through gates into church drive to walk up to the centre.
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