How did you join MVAP?
Soon after I graduated the Covid pandemic happened and I struggled with getting employment for quite a long time. I decided to do a part-time higher level course and volunteer alongside it. I found out about MVAP through a friend of a friend. I didn’t know that much about what volunteering looked like on a day-to-day basis and felt MVAP might suit me as it was quite substantial.
How was the MVAP training?
I started the MVAP course in early 2023 and was placed at Manchester Refugee Support Network (MRSN). The programme was all new to me and I felt like we covered topics in sufficient depth for an introductory course. I haven’t needed all of the topics in my day to day work but I am glad to have learnt them. I have used all of the core skills – like making people feel comfortable, being aware of their privacy and protecting their information.
I liked the community element of the course. Everyone cared and was happy and willing to learn and that created a really nice environment, especially for the sensitive topics that we discussed. Another member of the course also volunteered at MRSN and we became friendly as we recognised each other.
What has happened since?
I previously knew nothing about refugee and asylum seeker issues, but it turns out it is something I care a lot about. As a result of MVAP I have got my first proper job – I have had paid part-time work with MRSN for five months now. I also had job offers in non-related fields but I knew this one was what I wanted to do. There are two main factors in this: my family are immigrants and I see people in every day situations that my grandparents probably experienced; and the current environment towards asylum seekers and refugees is extremely hostile in this country in my opinion. I feel upset and compassionate about the daily problems and struggles I see people have in their lives.
It can be very difficult when there’s not much you can do for someone who’s in a desperate situation. While I was first volunteering, I sometimes felt close to not being able to continue as I was getting so upset. But now I feel like at the very least that I have helped people feel heard when they’ve been bandied around various organisations that just don’t have the resources. And often we can make some steps to improve their situation. That’s satisfying. We’re a very needed service. I still do volunteering here alongside my paid work.
I know a lot of other volunteers who have been through the MVAP programme and in general it’s hard not to become more compassionate and caring. There’s so much representation in the media that can be politicised. To see it first-hand you can make your own informed decisions. We have a common understanding of the effects on people.
What next for you?
I’m taking the exams to be an immigration adviser at the moment and hope to be able to do that soon. I’m also going to build my skills generally. I’d love to take on more work here and more hours and hopefully that will happen at some point.
“Jasmine is a very valued member of our team, and is eager to help. Since this interview, she has passed her OISC Level 1 training and started to be an immigration advisor with us.” CEO, MRSN
