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We're currently seeking an Immigration Advice Manager and a Treasurer to join our team. Applications open now!
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Volunteer With Us

As a small charity we could not provide our full range of services without the assistance of our 80+ skilled and committed volunteers. They are our greatest asset and play a crucial role in all aspects of our work, contributing to our office-based and outreach services, our ESOL and employability projects and on our board of trustees. They also support our fundraising efforts and help raise awareness about our work in their own communities by giving talks and presentations in schools, churches, the University and at other local gatherings.

About Volunteering with Refugee Support Devon

“I started volunteering with RSD following my retirement from social work. I help with the drop-in and the women’s group, and am constantly inspired by the women attending and the diversity of their experiences and needs. We usually work in pairs, supported by RSD staff. In the drop-in we try to address all the different enquiries we receive. It is often challenging, as you have no idea what might come up at each session, but it is always rewarding and heart-warming to meet people from so many different countries.” – Claire, RSD volunteer”

“I gained much satisfaction and knowledge, new friends and new skills”

"I enjoy the contact and experiences I have with people from different interesting backgrounds with a wide range of needs”

“I meet amazing people. I have never met so many people who possess such dignity, good humour and intelligence”

Current Vacancies

We are currently looking for volunteers for the following roles, if you are interested please fill out the contact form on our contact page

here.

These roles require your commitment for 6 – 12 months at least, usually for 2 - 4 hours per week. If you think you can help please get in touch. Thank you!

We can only accept volunteers who are 18+.

  • Community Garden Volunteer
    • We have an allotment in Exeter which is run by volunteers and clients. Are you available Thursday afternoons between 2pm - 4pm in Exeter? 

      We’re looking for friendly, reliable individuals to help maintain our garden space - planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting produce alongside others in a supportive environment. No prior gardening experience is needed, just a willingness to get involved and enjoy the outdoors. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, and contribute to a meaningful community project.

  • Outreach Volunteer

    • Would you like to help support refugees and people seeking asylum in the local community?

      We’re looking for compassionate and reliable volunteers to assist individuals in navigating everyday life — this could include helping with telephone calls, completing forms, attending local appointments, or accessing vital services. You’ll be offering practical support and a friendly presence to help people feel more confident and connected in their new community.

      This role is ideal for someone who’s a good listener, patient, and enjoys working with people from diverse backgrounds. Full guidance and support will be provided - you don’t need to be an expert, just willing to help.

What Can Volunteers Expect?

Volunteers do not receive payment for their work, but are able to have necessary expenses refunded. There is no set number of hours an RSD volunteer must commit to, and it is possible to work on a range of projects either annually, monthly, or weekly depending on the role and your availability. RSD particularly welcomes volunteers who are asylum seekers or refugees.

We always welcome enquiries from potential new volunteers, so if you feel you could be useful to us please contact us telling us about yourself, your background, your interests, and the sort of skills you could bring to RSD. We will get in touch to let you know if we have a suitable opportunity and may ask you to complete an application form so we can gather more information and seek references.

When we are able to match skills to needs one of our project coordinators will contact you for an informal chat, and selected volunteers will be invited to one of the training sessions we run during the year.

Volunteer Training

All volunteers must attend one of our introductory training sessions. These half day sessions are designed for new volunteers to get to know RSD, its projects, the people it helps and important codes of conduct and policies that all volunteers need to adhere to.

Induction into specific roles will be provided by project coordinators, and ongoing support is always available from staff and other volunteers. Professional and personal development is encouraged and further training opportunities will be offered along the way. Volunteers are encouraged to attend all meetings and training that is available.

If you Need to Wait…

We receive many offers of voluntary assistance throughout the year and we are unfortunately unable to accept everyone immediately. If your background and skills do not match any current volunteering opportunities, your details will be kept on file and we will contact you as soon as suitable vacancies occur.

There are things you could do now that will help us immensely: