Volunteering in Calais is an impactful way to support refugees. Whether you can volunteer for a few days or a few months, we would be very grateful for your help.
Our volunteers work in our warehouse sorting donations, and distribute aid at various sites in Calais and Dunkirk. They also provide much-needed social interaction and support. Everyone has different strengths and skills to offer in our mission to support refugees, and we will match your abilities to the tasks required.
Working with refugees in northern France, you’ll get to know those forced to flee their countries, develop useful new skills, and become part of the friendly Care4Calais community.
For more information about volunteering to help refugees in northern France, please fill in the form below.
Sign up to volunteer in Calais
Essential Information
We ask our volunteers to make their own way to Calais. However, by joining our volunteer chat group here, you may be able to arrange lift shares. Our friends CalaisLight arrange group trips from the UK with substantially discounted travel and accommodation.
Most volunteers stay in rented accommodation in Calais and the surrounding area. If you have limited funds, we may be able to assist you with accommodation.
By joining our volunteer chat group here you may be able to arrange flat/house shares with others travelling at the same time. When you sign up to volunteer below we will send you the current list of accommodation options and any discounts available as well as other helpful pre-departure information, advice and support.
Our friendly Calais team will provide as much advice and support as you need throughout your stay in France. You’ll never be on your own, and there’s always time to talk through anything. After every single session we have a group debrief to talk about any feelings about the day. You will also get support and inspiration from fellow volunteers, and there are often social gatherings in evenings with the volunteers as well.
Yes. Volunteers in France should have full, comprehensive travel insurance in place before joining us. We will ask you for proof of insurance before you start – without insurance in place we reserve the right to withdraw our offer of a volunteering opportunity.
If you’re volunteering with us for a month or longer, you’ll need to apply online for a basic Disclosure and Barring Service check . We’ll need to check your certificate (usually provided within 14 days of application) before you can begin. Once you have been with us for two weeks, we will be able to reimburse you for the cost of your application.
If you’re ready to volunteer, start your online basic disclosure application.