Bristol Airport
Ukrainian Refugees Welcome volunteers
Voluntary Action North Somerset are setting up a welcome point for Ukrainian refugees at Bristol Airport. There will be an Information Desk in arrivals where refugees and sponsors can be given information about what help may be available and ongoing transport, and a Welcome Centre at the Hilton Hotel where refugees can rest, have some refreshment, and pick up some basic supplies e.g., toiletries.
Purpose of volunteer role
The role of the volunteer is to provide a friendly welcome to refugees arriving from Ukraine and give basic information about where they can obtain further help. Volunteers will also take refugees to the Welcome Centre at the Hilton Hotel (5 minutes’ walk) if needed and liaise with airport staff as required.
Skills/abilities needed
- Friendly and approachable
- Good with people
- Comfortable with using an IPAD/tablet and Google Translate to help overcome any language barriers
- The ability to communicate in a calm and friendly way, greeting people on arrival and responding to their needs and concerns with empathy
Full training will be given
Additional information
Due to the timing of flight arrivals the Information Point may not need to be open at all times.
There are an estimated five flights a day where a fully staffed Information Point may be required. Not every flight will have Ukrainian citizens on board who are arriving under one of the Governments UK Visa Schemes set up for refugees.
If a welcoming service is needed, notification will be received from North Somerset Council prior to each flight arrival and a decision taken by VANS to contact volunteers to let them know if they need to go into the Airport to staff the Information Point. Whilst overall shift patterns will be fixed, the actual of hours worked by each volunteer will vary in line with demand.
The majority of refugees will have sponsors or host families who have arranged to meet them at the airport, those that do not will need to be taken to the Welcome Centre at the hotel where they will receive support.