Supporting refugees in Nelson

John Adams

Have you noticed the range of languages that are being spoken in and around Nelson?

There are people here from all around the world. When I was at the Centre of New Zealand the other day, I counted five different languages being spoken (and I was keeping quiet!). Some of those people are tourists enjoying the fact that the borders have re-opened. But some of them are newly arrived to make a new life for themselves and their families in Nelson.

At the Red Cross, we are particularly interested to help the people who arrive here as refugees. They have had no choice about leaving their country (usually because of war or persecution) and they welcome the chance to settle here and become Kiwis like the rest of us. Our role is to support them as they make that challenging transition. As well as language help, refugee families may need support with opening a bank account, or getting children enrolled at school, or organising for a plumber.

These things sound simple, but they can be a real challenge if you’ve never seen the ideas before.

Typically, refugee families have a very resilient approach to life and are keen to make a success of things.

At the Red Cross we have professional staff to be part of the support team –but we are also pleased to work with volunteers who can be “friends & neighbours” to a newly arrived family.

Many of our volunteers tell us that they get much more out of the experience than they put in –they make friends and are introduced to a new culture. Plus, they feel that they are making life easier for a family that needs some help.

Volunteering with the Red Cross is very flexible. We have a great training course and then people work in small teams centred around the needs of the family. Some people can be around in the day. Others are only free at weekends.

Most have other commitments, and we can work around them. It’s okay to say “no” sometimes!

Now that travel restrictions have been lifted, we are expecting about 100 new refugees to arrive here in Nelson each year.

So, we are currently on the look-out for new volunteers who would like to work with us. To learn more, you can visit our website: redcross. org.nz/refugeesupportvolunteer or email to enquire: migration.volunteers@redcross. org.nz

Or you can text John on 027 223 5972.