Support Refugees as a Volunteer
Moments of Social Connection Can Make a Small but Meaningful Difference
Serene’s volunteer work mainly takes place at the reception centre and its surroundings in Pansio, Turku. The centre is run by the Finnish Red Cross. Together, Serene’s volunteers and employees organise weekly group activities that support the well-being of the centre’s residents.
Serene’s nature and art group offer participants something to do and experience together with others. Participating gives the opportunity to focus on a often pleasant moment in the here and now during a stressful phase of life.
What We Do in Practice?
The volunteer’s most important task is to enable positive encounters as well as a safe atmosphere in the group. In addition, the tasks include practical arrangements before and after the group meeting. In addition, volunteers can also participate in organising various events for the residents of the reception centre.
Our volunteers are required to be of legal age and have knowledge of Finnish or English. Volunteers receive orientation and professional support in their duties. Groups are always guided in pairs.
Volunteers usually have 1–2 shifts per month, always in accordance to their own schedules. Volunteers are reimbursed for travel expenses incurred during group activities. Volunteers working at the reception centre are required to sign a contract of confidentiality.
The nature group is absolutely wonderful. It makes you feel good – and at the same time you bring joy to others!– Serene volunteer
Nature Group
Serene’s local nature group takes a walk one weekday afternoon a week to the nearby forests of Turku Reception Centre in Pansio. The walk includes a joint coffee break in the forest. The group offers its participants the opportunity to walk in the nature together and to get to know their surroundings – perhaps even encouraging to make excursions on their own.
Nature Group Manuals
My world expands when I meet people from all over the world. I also gain perspective on my own life.– Serene volunteer
Art Group
Serene’s local art group meets one weekday evening a week at Turku Reception Centre in Pansio. The group is open to asylum seekers living at the centre. In the group, we focus on creating art through, for example, visualising one’s own safe place onto paper. Various materials are available for creating art work in the group. Depending on the instructors’ interests, the group can explore a specific theme or technique from time to time.
Art Group Manual
Path to Becoming a Volunteer
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Read about volunteering on these pages. Consider what kind of way to participate would suit you.
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Fill in the contact form or application for volunteer work. You can briefly tell us about yourself and the types of tasks you would like to be involved in. We will contact you as soon as possible.
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Let’s arrange a time for a discussion where we can talk together about the opportunities in our volunteer activities.
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You will receive orientation suitable for your role. To participate in crisis help and support tasks, you will complete training that prepares you to encounter a person in a vulnerable situation.
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We will support you, and you will become part of the MIELI community. You can take part in our association’s activities as well as diverse national trainings and network meetings.
Contact
