Have you been watching the news in the past few years and are wondering how can I get involved in helping refugees? There are so many ways you can make a positive contribution to the lives of refugees, whether through donations, fund-raising and also volunteering.
Where You Can Help
Countries like Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria, Palestine, Libya, Sudan, Somalia have seen social and political turbulence including wars, conflict and famine.
You can find placements to help refugees in the Middle East, Europe and all around the world, either in person, or some organisations recruit people to help from online from home.
How to Help Refugees
There are so many international aid and humanitarian organisations and small local NGOs which you can apply to volunteer with and make a real difference on the ground.
Residents of refugee camps were forced to leave their homes with very few possessions, and much-needed eyeglasses may have been broken or lost during their journey, or children may have developed the need for glasses while living at the camp. Across central Greece, CCS provides care to children and families through vision clinics, where volunteers are essential to the screening and selection of eyeglasses to support children in succeeding at school and families to have the dignity and gift of sight.
On some roles you could support the needs of refugee families, including much-needed supplies at distribution center. Help uphold human dignity and provide a sense of stability while working in the Center by meeting basic needs for the 800 camp residents with consistency and respect. At the centers, volunteers can be responsible for the distribution of milk and hygiene products, as well as running the camp clothing shop. Additionally, some organisations manage a laundry facility so refugees have the opportunity to maintain clean clothing.
Organisations depend on volunteers and donors to keep centers running. If you are not able to give your time by volunteering, you can help support this humanitarian crisis by helping to provide for the sustainable provision of needed hygiene, water, and clothing supplies.
Europe
Since 2015 more than one million refugees, fleeing war, persecution, natural disasters, and poverty, have traveled to Europe in search of safety and a dignified life. Lacking safe and legal alternatives, they put their lives in the hands of smugglers and risk everything during perilous sea and land crossings.
Greece
In 2016, a series of international political policies have limited immigration out of Greece and as a consequence, more than 60,000 people are currently trapped, scattered across detention centers, abandoned buildings, and makeshift camps. Substandard living conditions and lack of adequate food, medical care, and information have heightened anxiety, depression, and uncertainty, but you can help. You could donate or offer to help at a refugee distribution center at Ritsona Refugee Camp to help provide necessary supplies to vulnerable residents.
UK
There are lots of ways how to help Syrian, Ukrainian and other refugees in the UK, sometimes from home, close to where you live or in other locations around the country.
France
In places like Calais and Paris there are lots of incredible organisations working to help, including:
Care 4 Calais
Care 4 Calais are an inspiration company set up to help refugees in Calais, France. If you are looking for a really rewarding experience to volunteer and help refugees would
Middle East
The Middle East has been one the places with a major focus on refugees with currently thousands of people living in temporary camps. In the past decade this is mainly due to the Syria conflict which has seen millions of people flee the country.
Africa
There are lots of aid organizations working on the ground to help people on the ground in places like Sudan.
Latin & North America
Feedback & Reviews
“Learning about the refugee crisis and helping in the camp will forever keep you grateful for the freedom you have.” — Sasha, USA