To mark Volunteers Week 2025, we’re celebrating our incredible volunteers who make everything that we do at Women for Refugee Women not just possible, but powerful!

Each week, our volunteers facilitate joyful, supportive and fun community spaces where women can build their skills and confidence and connect with friends.

To mark the week, Jane has shared her experience of volunteering at WRW. Jane has been with us almost seven years – an incredible amount of time! We couldn’t imagine English classes without her!

“I wanted to volunteer with Women for Refugee Women because of what it stands for – solidarity with women seeking sanctuary in the UK. I had just moved to London and was seeking a community of my own, and I was excited to see who I’d meet and what I’d learn at WRW. Through the years, the women I’ve worked with have nurtured me and encouraged me so much, and I’m so grateful for the space it holds.

I’ve been an English teacher for almost seven years with both Intermediate and Beginners English learners. Through the pandemic I started calling my class every week to check in with how they were faring, it was then that I really started to get to know everyone better, and learn the resilience of these women living through such a hostile system. It was a huge comfort to keep in touch through that time and retain some connection with wider community while we were all indoors. Now I’m back in Beginners English once a week, I love how playful English language can be and seeing how people form their identity through language too. It’s powerful!

My favourite part of volunteering has to be the community we build together. I was 22 when I started volunteering and I feel like Women for Refugee Women have helped raise me! Both my English class members and fellow volunteers have poured so much in to the network to create community and support for one another.

Throughout turbulence and challenge, women in English class show up with determination and care for one another. They put hard work and thought into our time together, and role model learning for one another. Learning isn’t just about linear progress – it’s about confidence, joy, vulnerability and resilience. I’m proud of the space Women for Refugee Women hosts to nurture that.”

A huge thank you to all our volunteers who make our activities possible. We couldn’t do it without you and are so thankful for all that you do.