Volunteer Creative Mentor
Since its foundation in 1991, Refugee Action Kingston (RAK) has been the main provider of direct services to refugees and asylum seekers in Kingston.
RAK is a small organisation with big ambitions. We are reliant on dedicated volunteers to help us in our mission to support refugees to successfully integrate into their local community. We achieve this by delivering a variety of outcomes for refugee and asylum-seeking families through advice, information, counselling, education, training, and employment opportunities. Whether you’re helping in our offices, in our Learning Centre or supporting clients one-to-one, your role can have a powerful impact and long-lasting effect.
Main purpose of the role
RAK is delivering a holistic approach to enable refugees to live empowered and fulfilling lives. This covers all aspects of personal development, from advice, to mental health counselling, education and employability support.
RAK Creative Mentors share their knowledge and skills in a particular creative field with our clients to help them develop their own artistic talents. This hugely rewarding exchange provides them with a sense of personal development, a mindful outlet through which they can express themselves and a skill that could potentially be used in a professional capacity through our online store or within the context of their own entrepreneurial efforts.
Mentor support can be provided in one-to-one meetings, groups, online or by phone. The mentor relationship can last between 6-12 months and involve a weekly meeting which is focussed on instruction and practice.
Main Responsibilities
- Provide mentoring support in a creative skill to refugees living in Kingston, being available for a weekly meeting with your mentee over a period of between 6-12 months.
- Provide additional support to enable your mentee to access information and resources on the skill of their choice.
- Where beneficial, facilitate connections between your mentee and other community groups, colleges, or workplaces, to further develop the skill of their choice.
- To operate within workplace confidentiality, code of conduct and safeguarding policies.
Skills, abilities and qualities
- A strong foundation of knowledge and experience in a creative skill, such as drawing, sewing, photography, woodwork, graphic design, music, etc.
- Patience, understanding, good communication skills and the desire to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Being open to listen to others who may have views and opinions that are different from your own.
- Be emotionally resilient and able to carry out your role on your own and comply with the RAK lone working policy.
- Have a basic understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and information sharing legislation.
- Confidence in using email and searching for information on the internet would be advantageous.
Why Volunteer for RAK?
- Develop your mentoring and interpersonal skills.
- Gain a sense of reward as you see the impact of your support and the difference that it makes to your mentee’s life.
- Be part of a diverse, inspiring and supportive team.
Time commitment
The time commitment is two hours per week, along with two compulsory training sessions. A commitment of 12 months in the role is preferred.
Induction and training
You will complete initial RAK volunteer training and ongoing training as needed. The training will also assess your skills and ability for the role.
Mentors will also have access to online safeguarding training as appropriate to the role.
On-going support
- Regular contact with the staff team at RAK
- Further training as required
- Bi-annual peer mentor group support
Out of pocket expenses for meals, travel and childcare within agreed guidelines