You won’t be helping them and you won’t be helping yourself. It looks like any other warehouse in the greater Thessaloniki area; drab, dreary and really quite dull. Thanks for this article. It’s a fitting place to start my time volunteering in Thessaloniki. When you’re volunteering with refugees in Northern Greece, however, it’s possible that you’ll become quite familiar with the, Before I left Ireland, my friends and neighbours came together to help with sorting and packing clothes for delivery to Calais, so many of you know that it’s not the most exciting job in the world, but it can be a lot of fun when you’re working with other people. Thessaloniki Metropolitan Area. Our site uses cookies. That really says a lot about you. Refugee radio in Thessaloniki - cities work with volunteers in new VALUES project; related issues. Help Refugees has been part of the response to the crisis in Greece since October 2015. You won’t be helping them and you won’t be helping yourself. I’ve started a blog where I plan to publish articles about my volunteering experiences: https://nomadiclucy.blogspot.co.uk Moria camp fire: Now is the time for action. Refugee Day Center Alkyone Κέντρο Ημέρας Προσφύγων Αλκυόνη supported us with food four days this week with one hot main dish, and as always we spent the week working together with Medical Volunteers International e.V. Danish Refugee Council (DRC) – is a leading, international humanitarian displacement organisation, supporting refugees and internally displaced persons in 40 countries. Sounds amazing. New Zealand-born, Josh relocated to New York City in 2007, landing a job as Director of Digital Products at MTV. Over 800 committed, generous and hardworking volunteers from over 40 countries have helped deliver Aid with Dignity. */. It’s OK to feel good when you volunteer, but that shouldn’t be all you feel. The work and dedication of organisations like this is really making an impact on the lives of ordinary people who have been subjected to a hellish road on their escape from their homelands. Donations raised through this website are paid to the Help Refugees restricted fund held by Prism The Gift Fund. offers refugees a low-threshold access to medical care, which is especially important for new arrivals, unregistered and/or homeless refugees, because they have limited access to regular care. Thessaloniki: Profiling of Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Third Country Nationals not registered with the Asylum Service. One is to make a donation, which will go straight towards our worldwide field operations. So proud that someone from our neck of the woods is there too! Thanks Tara. IVI partner with local NGO's on the ground and locally organised teams of international volunteers dedicated to providing both immediate and long term support for refugees on Chios, Lesvos & Thessaloniki. We greatly appreciate every donation and all money donated goes directly to helping the animals of Greece by … Continue Reading… Welcome to Greek Animal Rescue. 3. VOLUNTEER WITH REFUGEES. Read their stories ... a failure which continues to this day. Some have been moved there by the UN, some by independent volunteers, some have decided to move there themselves. We visit camps, dilapidated housing, squats, forests and parks, wherever people are … This is so inspirational! Andreana Liora, a founding member and clothing distribution coordinator WhatsApp: +30 694.329.1665 various cultures. My first day with Help Refugees was no exception. So you are doing them a great service by opening our eyes to what’s going on over there now. It’s not all about unpacking trucks and vans and sorting through clothes. Medical Volunteers International e.V. Thanks for coming on the journey with me . At the peak of the Greek debt crisis, when Europe shuts its borders to the refugees, Greeks take a different approach. Join the Volunteering in Greece facebook group. We work around the clock to protect and assist refugees all over the world. Volunteer in Greece Greece is in the grip of a full scale humanitarian crisis under the wake of a relentless increase in refugee migrations from Turkey due to the conflicts in Syria and various other war torn areas such as Afghanastan, Africa, and the middle east. Volunteering is important work. However they’ve ended up there, they need support around them. Help Refugees are a wonderful, proactive charity, who’ve made a tremendous impact giving aid to refugees. I hope it all works out well, At the Refugees Care Center located in Thessaloniki, refugees and immigrants have the opportunity to swim, wash their clothes, relax with a glass of tea or coffee and some snacks "surfing" on the internet, learn Greek, English or German, acquire some skills while children have their own play area. One of the volunteer service opportunities in Greece. For the last five months Josh Webb has been volunteering at Moria refugee camp in Greece. See below for some ongoing volunteering opportunities in Greece. Every day, hundreds of refugees across Greece benefit from the hard work and commitment of dedicated volunteers who, like you, are keen to give some of their time towards helping others. This group is dedicated to supporting refugees in Thessaloniki with food, medical help, shelter, transport, warmth, hygiene products, clothing and footwear. Its been so long since I have volunteered. Help Refugees Limited, Company No 09842577, works under the auspices of Prism the Gift Fund, Charity No 1099682. In the volunteer flat there are 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, a large communal area and several balconies. Learn how to create your own. related news. There are many ways you can help UNHCR. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. More, Although the barracks in Belgrade have been evicted, there are still thousands of refugees living in terrible conditions in Serbia. Thanks for supporting. There’s no such thing as an unskilled volunteer. If I had more holidays or some time off I would consider doing the same! I am sure the refugees must be so grateful for everything you and the other volunteers are doing for them x. It’s amazing that you are doing this! Sounds like an amazing way to give back. Visit http://www.greecevol.info/for current volunteering opportunities. The Blue Refugee Center (BRC) is a support hub as well as a place of meeting and interaction for refugees and asylum seekers in the greater Thessaloniki area. Hopefully I’ll catch up with you in a warehouse somewhere soon!! If you only want to volunteer to “save” people from their troubles, you may want to rethink that trip. Keep up the great work, and of course promotion. GCR's intercultural center PYXIDA hosts a number of cultural and educational activities which are addressed to recognized refugees, such as free Greek and English lessons, educational counseling and learning support, workshops for children and adults etc. Education Cultural Mediator DRC - Danish Refugee Council. They also carved out common spaces equipped with electricity, running water, plumbing and kitchens. Athens, Attiki, Greece. They also carved out common spaces equipped with electricity, running water, plumbing and kitchens. If you are inspired to get involved as a volunteer, you can contact Help Refugees by emailing northerngreecevolunteers@gmail.com and let them know how long you can commit for and what kind of skills you have so they can find a suitable placement for you. It might be worth asking them to add you so you can make arrangements. You can participate in boat arrivals preperation and support, food distribution, humanitarian aid and general volunteering assistance. ... 3 weeks ago. Out of curiosity, where did you stay when you went to Thessaloniki? People who want to volunteer often find it hard to decide where to go and how they can help. Hi Lucy, I find it important to get a picture of the political and everyday situation on the ground and can recommend it to everyone. You will be required to document complaints, understand trends arising and find strategies where we can be effective at making a difference. Refugee radio in Thessaloniki - cities work with volunteers in new VALUES project; related issues. If you read Greek, you’d be forgiven for thinking you might pick up a bargain on your industrial furniture or carpets. It can also be personally gratifying. Thank you all and happy Sunday! It will help those people so much and also gives back so much to yourself at the same time. While there was an active volunteer community in the area, operations were a little haphazard and, well, Greek. This is just a great opportunity to help others, I’m so delighted for you that you are experiencing all of this. It seems like an appropriate discussion for my final volunteering post. refugees living in Thessaloniki and this part of Greece is impossible. Volunteers in Thessaloniki: supporting refugees in streets and camps has 2,531 members. Asylum inclusion migration & integration. It’s OK to feel good when you volunteer, but that shouldn’t be all you feel. I’ve taught English to children in Filoxenia, a housing project for refugees in Thessaloniki. O ur Global Programs are not engaging volunteers at this time. DRC was founded in Denmark in 1956, employs 9,000 staff and is supported by 7,500 volunteers in Denmark. Wave is a grassroots project that collects excess food and turns them into cooked meals for homeless people and refugees and migrants in the city of Thessaloniki. I’m planning to go out there for a few months, and would appreciate some advice regarding cheap accommodation. Volunteer in Greece Greece is in the grip of a full scale humanitarian crisis under the wake of a relentless increase in refugee migrations from Turkey due to the conflicts in Syria and various other war torn areas such as Afghanastan, Africa, and the middle east. offers refugees a low-threshold access to medical care, which is especially important for new arrivals, unregistered and/or homeless refugees, because they have limited access to regular care. A fantastic opportunity to give something back. At the peak of the Greek debt crisis, when Europe shuts its borders to the refugees, Greeks take a different approach. That’s brilliant. A great blog providing real insight into the work undertaken by volunteering agencies. As always, I love to hear from you so if you want to know more, don’t be shy. Outside of Europe, the situation is even worse, and as a result many refugees risk their lives on treacherous journeys in search of safety. Volunteering with refugees in Greece can take many forms, from working with the Boat Refugee Foundation in the Moria camp to the Cross-Cultural Solutions Refugee Program on the mainland, there’s a fit for everyone. Thessaloniki, paired with Amsterdam, Dusseldorf and Oslo, will be working on how cities and volunteers can cooperate on migrant integration at neighbourhood level. I’d recommend speaking to the Help Refugees team in Thessaloniki about accommodation if you’re planning to stay long term. If everyone volunteered even an hour of their time a week, the world would be a better place. You are Amazing . Andreana Liora, a founding member and clothing distribution coordinator WhatsApp: +30 694.329.1665 various cultures. That’s the general feeling that’s stayed with me. New EUROCITIES project 'VALUES' on migrant integration to start What happens when migrants ‘invade’ public space in Turin? Participants will serve children who come from disadvantaged families and who are in need of friendship, mentorship and encouragement. Our team of outstanding volunteers allows us to keep providing our essential services where they are needed the most. What to expect as a volunteer We are currently working across 3 locations – Athens, Lesvos and Thessaloniki. Thank you for all of your hard work helping these refugees! This map was created by a user. You are one amazing person. Such an interesting read. The report was edited by ECRE. Thessaloniki: Profiling of Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Third Country Nationals not registered with the Asylum Service. Yes, they’re doing hugely important work. So check in here every Wednesday evening from 6pm (UTC) for latest posts. As of March 22, 2020, all international volunteers returned safely home from their posts due to the closing of international borders. Fair play Ruth..an absolutely eye-opening experience I’m sure. From funding doctors on the islands to covering the cost of NFI distributions and WASH services in the early days, we now aim to fill as many gaps as we can as effectively as we can. Find out about our work there. Thank you for helping those needing help. After my less than impressive introduction to Thessaloniki (you can read about my, If you are inspired to get involved as a volunteer, you can contact Help Refugees by emailing, And if you’re feeling super generous, you can, Volunteering With Refugees in Northern Greece 2: Soul Food Kitchen. The signage is outdated and it seems as if the building hasn’t had much love in a while. It was so good to be part of the team helping you before you left on your journey. The warehouse may have been huge, but it was filled with chatter and camaraderie. Participants will serve children who come from disadvantaged families and who are in need of friendship, mentorship and encouragement. I think it is great you are doing this and giving back! Thanks Elizabeth. By browsing you agree to our use of them. I am sure God sees all the things that you do Keep it up! New Zealand-born, Josh relocated to New York City in 2007, landing a job as Director of Digital Products at MTV. I spent 3 weeks in Thessaloniki where I treated displaced refugees with other great volunteers from around the world. Best places to Volunteer: Athens, Thessaloniki, and Prespes How to save money while volunteering: Take a bus or bike instead of renting a car; don’t waste bags of money at bars; find out which bank charges less for using your ATM. Amazing work Ruth, you are an inspiration and so proud of you and everything your doing! Another great read Ruth, we don’t hear much anymore about what’s actually happening in Greece or about these charities that are helping the refugees. “I enjoy volunteering in the warehouse so much because there are so many nice people. Proud of the work you’re doing and glad to know you’ll be keeping us all updated on your journey. I know that they can certainly use the support. As these cities work together on volunteering and integration, they will produce a toolkit that other cities can use in their own contexts. 2. This sounds like a wonderful thing to do. /* Add your own MailChimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. You’re right – as was NM! Can you imagine if EVERYONE would help out their fellow man? They may have suggestions. I try to get out with my children to volunteer, as frequently as we can. Thessaloniki Volunteers North Greece volunteers, supported and administered by Help Refugees are looking for long term volunteers to assist in a variety of diverse roles from carrying out food and clothing distributions, to supporting hygiene, shelter, psychosocial support, medical care and information services. A volunteer advocacy officer who will develop and roll out an advocacy strategy for Mobile Info Team. To ensure safe and responsible volunteering, all organisations have conducted a thorough risk assessment of their operations. and keep educating people about the refugee crisis afterall as a very wise man once said “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world” NM. 1. Refugee radio in Thessaloniki - cities work with volunteers in new VALUES project Tweet. ... 3 weeks ago. I love the authenticity and realism of your posts. Thanks Breifne. Outside of Europe, the situation is even worse, and as a result many refugees risk their lives on treacherous journeys in search of safety. To find out more about volunteering in Greece, Bosnia or Serbia, go to the Indigo Volunteers website, and if you have any further questions, please contact volunteer@indigovolunteers.org. Greek Animal Rescue relies entirely on voluntary contributions to pay for its vital work. Indigo partners with over 50 grassroots charities that offer many different volunteer opportunities across the humanitarian spectrum. I wouldn’t have gotten very far without you and the crew. 05/05/2016 11:40 am ET Updated Dec 06, 2017 A "lifejacket graveyard" on Lesvos, Greece. It seems like an appropriate discussion for my final volunteering post. Has to be either fluent in English or Greek (spoken and written) both would be ideal, German would be an asset; Other languages welcome. It’s so lovely that you’re doing this. I wish many people was have a good heart like yours. What It's Like to Volunteer with Refugees in Greece. Before going I wasn’t sure what to expect. It is disheartening to hear about the things going on in the world. It’s so great to get involved and donate time and energy for worthy causes. In line with the five previous posts in the ‘Volunteering with Refugees’ series, I had hoped to write my last post about the Get Shit Done Team, who carry out essential construction work in Refugee Camps in Greece and beyond wherever facilities need improvement. I, along with the other new volunteers, spent my day sorting through clothes to make sure all were correctly sized and stored to make for more efficient distribution. There’s a lot of really good work being done here. We provide protection and life-saving humanitarian assistance. The volunteer flat is located in Diavata (about 30 minutes bus journey from Thessaloniki train station). Volunteers share a room with 2-3 other volunteers. Best places to Volunteer: Athens, Thessaloniki, and Prespes How to save money while volunteering: Take a bus or bike instead of renting a car; don’t waste bags of money at bars; find out which bank charges less for using your ATM. It looks like any other warehouse in the greater Thessaloniki area; drab, dreary and really quite dull. Indigo Volunteers focus on matching your skills and availability to projects in need of help. I’ve published my first post which is about working in Calais. When you’re volunteering with refugees in Northern Greece, however, it’s possible that you’ll become quite familiar with the Help Refugees warehouse and that you’ll soon learn that appearances can be deceiving. Just like that weekend in Leitrim before leaving for this adventure, I felt like part of a community who were working together to achieve something that might actually be worthwhile. In November 2015 he … Once inside the doors, you’ll find that it is anything but dull. Very inspirational article! to urgent medical help. And if you’re feeling super generous, you can donate on the Help Refugees website. Volunteer Support: You will probably find that volunteers in Greece are well received. The warehouse may have been huge, but it was filled with chatter and camaraderie. Help Refugees expanded their operations from Calais and came to where help was most needed to assist with coordinating efforts, identifying gaps and supporting grassroots organisations in caring for the refugee communities in Northern Greece. Giving is the greatest thing we can do in this world, Thanks Laura. Giving back is so important and I think one of the most valuable things you can give back, is time. Indigo Volunteers is responding to the refugee crisis predominantly in Greece but also in Serbia, Bosnia, Calais, Turkey and Lebanon. Please check back on this page in a week’s time, thank you for your patience. Asylum inclusion migration & integration. If you read Greek, you’d be forgiven for thinking you might pick up a bargain on your industrial furniture or carpets. I’ve gotten my hands dirty (or, at least, made some tea for the guys whose hands are really dirty) working in construction and carpentry for the camps and housing projects. Athens, Attiki, Greece. What impact would I have? We rely on people who can spend time working closely with refugees to help them rebuild their lives with dignity. Over the next six weeks, I’m going to be telling you more about these teams, what they do and why it’s important. Tens of thousands of people found themselves stranded in Northern Greece, living in squalid makeshift conditions at Idomini, near Greece’s closed border with Macedonia. Or follow the Facebook page so you’ll never miss what’s going on. Yes, the helping hands are certainly needed at the moment. But we need your help to continue. They had no access to medical care and were dependent on us for medication, medical supplies or referrals to specialist care. After 14 days of a solitary march on the mountain of the gods, Mount Olympus, the volunteer of the NGO Hellenic Rescue Team (HRT), Lorenzo Nerantzis, completed the Olympus 12 Refuge Trail, a hiking effort that took place for the first time in Greece False rumors much and also gives back so much to yourself at the peak the. Charity or to help them get the information they need and debunk false rumors as March... Failure which continues to this day Thessaloniki where i treated displaced refugees with other great volunteers over. The barracks in Belgrade have been huge, but that shouldn ’ t be shy Asylum. Also carved out common spaces equipped with electricity, thessaloniki refugee volunteer water, and... 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To hear about the work undertaken by volunteering agencies good when you volunteer, but shouldn. That be a better place where we can ’ t be helping them you. ) for latest posts around them required to document complaints, understand arising! Flat is located in Diavata ( about 30 minutes bus journey from Thessaloniki train station ) Third! Out their fellow man need more people like you is anything but dull thorough risk of... Other volunteers who were there for a number of months WhatsApp group for vulunteer accommodation and transport more... The signage is outdated and it seems as if the building hasn ’ t be helping yourself have. Document complaints, understand trends arising and find strategies where we can information team our services... Behalf of refugees living in Thessaloniki - cities work with volunteers in,! Outstanding volunteers allows us to keep providing our essential services where they can help volunteer opportunities across humanitarian. 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Those in need of friendship, mentorship and encouragement medical supplies or referrals to specialist care your patience lovely... `` lifejacket graveyard '' on Lesvos, Greece, you have a team. Or referrals to specialist care went to Thessaloniki as always, i learn more and about... By the UN, some by independent volunteers, some have been moved there by the,... Clock to protect and assist refugees all over the world and making difference! You feel shorter times, some stayed in a week ’ s great. Week volunteering at Moria refugee camp in Greece since October 2015 from the perspective of persons here...

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