A North Somerset charity is looking for volunteers to help Ukrainian refugees arriving into Bristol Airport. Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS) is setting up a welcome point at the airport for refugees and sponsors fleeing the war.
The charity is looking for volunteers to "provide a friendly welcome" to refugees, and to give them basic information as to where they can get help. Volunteers will then take refugees to the welcome centre at the nearby Hilton Hotel.
VANS is on the hunt for volunteers who can sign up to four-hour shifts throughout the day. It says on its website that due to the timing of flight arrivals, the welcome point may not need to be open at all times.
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It said: "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.
"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."
The charity says it is looking for people who are "friendly and approachable." It is also looking for volunteers who are comfortable using an iPad or tablet, and Google Translate to overcome any language barriers. It adds that "full training will be given" to volunteers looking to get involved.
It continued: "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.
"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."
Anyone who wants to sign up can do so here.
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