Volunteer interpreters - Arabic, French, Pashto, Urdu

Our members come from a wide range of countries. Many speak limited English and within the volunteer team we have a limited range of languages. This is particularly challenging when explaining about the asylum process and supporting members to prepare for Home Office interviews. We are particularly in need of Urdu, Pashto, Arabic and French speakers.

Interpreters work alongside Journey volunteers who provide one-to-one support, to ensure both members and volunteers understand any information that is shared. This can often mean hearing accounts of traumatic experiences, which can be difficult. 

Interpreters are required on an ad hoc basis, and would only work alongside one of the Journey volunteers. It is likely that there would be a number of sessions with an individual member.

Expectations of interpreters:

• Abide by the Journey Group’s policies, in particular the safeguarding policy, our code of conduct and our data protection policy.
• Be fluent in your specialist language(s).
• Have patience and empathy when working with people who may have experienced trauma.
• Maintain strict confidentiality, particularly regarding Journey members’ sexual and gender identities, contact details and legal situations.
• Look after your own wellbeing. Our members may share accounts of traumatic experiences and this can be difficult to hear. All our volunteers have a designated supervisor who you should inform if you are affected. You are also expected to plan for this in advance by developing personal strategies to ensure your emotional wellbeing.

Impact of the role:

Our volunteer interpreters play a really important role in helping us understand the situation and needs of new members, and supporting our volunteer team to ensure that our members get the information and support they need to prepare their legal cases and access support services.