Poland: Serving War Refugees Warsaw OM in Poland is providing psychosocial support and psychological first aid after trauma experience, supporting mums and children fleeing Ukraine. Running kids clubs, youth ministry and women’s meetings we're offering comfort, bringing joy and hope, living out Christ’s love to those who need it most. Details of Ministry Participants will run kids & youth programmes, as well as women’s and seniors' meetings at refugee centres which will include community building, Bible stories, English lessons, sports, crafts, music, art and psychosocial support. There may also be opportunity to help in aid distribution and warehouse logistics at the resource centres. Here's a 4 minute video to give you more of an idea of the team and the ministry! When time and language skills permit, participants may spend time with refugees offering psychological first aid or offering listening ears and sharing God’s love through words of encouragement and prayer or provide information to prevent human trafficking and other security threats. The ministry will also include daily devotions, daily chores and meal preparation at the team house, shopping and organising the warehouse. Time spent together in the team house is an opportunity for fellowship and sharing. Dates & Costs Please note, there is a possibility to join the ministry for several weeks or even months and OM Poland strongly recommend it, because it helps to establish closer relationships and build on their foundation. Dates Apply by Option 119 13 October - 19 October 08 September 2024 Option 120 20 October - 26 October 15 September 2024 Option 121 27 October - 02 November 22 September 2024 Option 122 03 November - 09 November 29 September 2024 Option 123 10 November - 16 November 06 October 2024 Option 124 17 November - 23 November 13 October 2024 Option 125 24 November - 30 November 20 October 2024 Option 126 01 December - 07 December 27 October 2024 Option 127 08 December - 14 December 03 November 2024 Option 128 15 December - 21 December 10 November 2024 Option 129 05 December - 11 January 01 December 2024 Option 130 12 January - 18 January 08 December 2024 Option 131 19 January - 25 January 15 December 2024 Option 132 26 January - 01 February 22 December 2024 Option 133 02 February - 08 February 22 December 2024 Option 134 09 February - 15 February 05 January 2025 Option 135 16 February - 22 February 12 January 2025 Option 136 23 February - 01 March 19 January 2025 Option 137 02 March - 08 March 26 January 2025 Option 138 09 March - 15 March 02 February 2025 Option 139 16 March - 22 March 09 February 2025 Cost (excluding flights, insurance, any possible vaccinations & DBS) £305 for individuals £290 each if you go as a group of 4+ Ages 18+ See notes about minors Suitable for Due to the fact that we’re working in a humanitarian disaster situation, the scope and location of ministry may need to be adjusted without prior notification. Dates beyond this are highly likely - arriving on a Sunday and departing on a Saturday - please enquire for details. Participant Profile We invite participants who are: • Flexible, adaptable and focused on serving others • Responsible and able to work under the authority of the local OM team and officials running refugee centres • Committed to serve children, youth, women and elderly people • Compassionate, able to listen well and willing to learn more about Psychological First Aid • In good health, able to work with kids • Willing to work with a cross-cultural team, determined to connect with people regardless of language barriers • Able to communicate in English or Polish. Speaking Ukrainian or Russian would be a great asset. Refugees speak Ukrainian and/or Russian, English is not very common, but through our ministry it has been changing. It is easy to connect with the refugees despite of the language barrier. For the kids programmes, you'll prepare together as a team, experience is not essential but creativity is welcome. Materials are provided. You will need a friendly approach and an ability to connect with children and their parents. Accommodation You will stay in basic accommodation in a team house located in Warsaw. Please bring your own towel. Bedding is provided. Expect simple beds, shared rooms (2-4 people) and shared bathrooms. You need to arrive by noon on the Sunday and leave on Saturday. Food Meals at the team house are provided (breakfast, a cooked lunch, supper & snacks). Travel Participants need to arrange their own travel to and from the team house in Warsaw. You need to arrive at the team house by 3pm on Sunday and leave on Saturday (or Friday evening). We recommend a flight to Chopin International Airport (WAW) or Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI). You will receive further directions in the information pack upon acceptance which will include the precise address and phone numbers. There is a possibility to arrive 1 day earlier and/or stay 1 day longer if the flight requires, however it will depend on the availability of the accommodation in our team house. If the team house is full, the participant will need to find their own accommodation at their own expense for the extra day(s). Please send us your travel itinerary as soon as you can but please don't book flights unless you have received an official acceptance email from the Short-Term Opportunities team. Health Participants should be in good health, fit, able to work with kids and engage in moderate physical work. Language Participants must understand and speak English or Polish. Refugees speak Ukrainian and Russian is also helpful, English is not very common. Without any knowledge of Slavic languages, you will be able to serve refugees mainly in practical ways. Visa British citizens do not require a visa to enter Poland for less than 90 days. If you do not hold a British passport, please check if you require a visa. Notes Individuals must be 18 or over. This outreach is tailored towards those aged 18-65. Mature minors who are 16+ and able to handle interactions with refugees are welcome to apply but must have parental consent and be accompanied by a responsible adult. As part of our Safeguarding policy, and regulations in Poland, you will require a valid enhanced DBS certificate, which will cost an additional £15 if done through OM UK. You will also need to fill in an additional form for OM Poland to obtain your clearance from two Polish registries. More details will be shared upon application but please ask if you have any questions in the meantime. Price excludes flights, insurance, any possible vaccinations and DBS check if required and is subject to change according to the exchange rate. If you have driver’s license and 3+ years of experience and you’re ready to be a driver (manual), please let us know asap and bring your DL, it will be an asset. If you are staying more than a week you may have opportunity to join another ministry of OM Poland happening on Saturdays, you can also choose to have Saturday off. We also make sure that there is some free time during the week to sightsee in Warsaw.Please check the current weather forecast for temperatures during the day and night here and pack relevant clothing, including potential shifts at night, in the rain or direct sunlight. Volunteers are responsible to organise their personal and travel insurance and ensure it covers all they need. Taking the Next Step I'm ready to apply I've got a question Return To All Outreaches Manage Cookie Preferences