On International Volunteer Day we celebrate the incredible people who give their time, skills, and passion to support our work.
We caught up with Clara, to find out more about her experience as a Scottish Refugee Council volunteer.
What motivated you to volunteer with us?
“I was motivated for a couple of reasons: throughout my degree I took a couple of courses on refugee and asylum-seeking law and policy – it really opened my eyes to the harsh reality of the UK asylum system and the inhumane bureaucratic hoops vulnerable people are contorted through. While struggling to find a career-oriented job after graduating, I came across Scottish Refugee Council’s call for volunteers. It proved to be the perfect opportunity to gain some professional work experience.”
What did your day-to-day volunteering role look like?
“I volunteered once a week. Day-to-day, I worked with their Grants Officer, Alex, to research potential funding opportunities and how they aligned with the charity’s mission. I also submitted grant applications to trusts and foundations to secure funding for essential support to people.”
Was there a moment or achievement that really stuck with you?
“Yes. Towards the end of my time volunteering, I was tasked with writing to funders reporting on the success of Refugee Festival Scotland 2025. This was such a lovely task as I was able to read about and relay stories of all the creative events led by refugees that happened across Scotland celebrating culture and the arts. Being able to showcase all the hard work to the funders felt very fulfilling. I’ll definitely be attending events next year!”
What skills or knowledge do you feel you gained or strengthened through volunteering?
“Through volunteering at Scottish Refugee Council, and particularly with Alex’s support, I learned so much about the general funding landscape in Scotland, how to approach trusts and foundations and build relationships. I am grateful to Alex for the genuine care and commitment he showed for developing my skills and knowledge, and for helping me land my current role as Fundraising Officer at Scottish Book Trust.”
What would you say to someone who’s thinking about becoming a volunteer?
“I have volunteered in some capacity my whole life, whether that be being a leader at Beavers, a race marshal, or doing lighting tech for my local panto – there is a charity for whatever you are interested in. Volunteering helps to build skills, friendships, and community.
“Giving your time, energy, and skills to a cause that matters to you is rewarding and helps create more collaborative, empathetic, and empowered societies. Ensuring that refugees, asylum seekers, and anyone else who makes Scotland their home feels welcomed is incredibly important to me. I am grateful I got to donate my time and skills to Scottish Refugee Council and will continue to support them.”
This International Volunteer Day, we want to give our heartfelt thanks to Clara and to every volunteer who makes our work possible. We simply could not do it without you.
Find out more about volunteering with Scottish Refugee Council
