Poland: Serving War Refugees Warsaw

OM in Poland is providing aid and services to meet needs of refugees seeking safety in Poland, offering psychosocial support and psychological first aid, supporting mums and children fleeing Ukraine. Through simple acts of service we’re offering comfort, bringing hope and living out Christ’s love to those who need it the most.

What is involved?

	Dates	Apply by
	19 May - 25 May 2024	12 April 2024
	26 May - 01 June 2024	19 April 2024
	02 June - 08 June 2024	26 April 2024
	09 June - 15 June 2024	02 May 2024
	16 June - 22 June 2024	09 May 2024
	23 June - 29 June 2024	16 May 2024
	30 June - 06 July 2024	23 May 2024
	07 July - 13 July 2024	30 May 2024
	14 July - 20 July 2024	07 June 2024
	21 July - 27 July 2024	14 June 2024
	28 July - 03 August 2024	21 June 2024
	04 August - 10 August 2024	28 June 2024
	18 August - 24 August 2024	FULL
	25 August - 31 August 2024	18 July 2024
	01 September - 07 September 2024	25 July 2024
	08 September - 14 September 2024	01 August 2024
	15 September - 21 September 2024	08 August 2024
Cost (excluding flights, insurance, any possible vaccinations & DBS)	£310 for individuals £295 each if you go as a group of 4+
Ages	18+  See notes about minors
Suitable for

You can join the ministry for several weeks or even months and we recommend it, if you're able, as it helps to establish closer relationships and build on their foundation. 

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 government officials (refugee centres often run by state)

• 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

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 and a cooked lunch/dinner, snacks). 

Travel

Participants need to arrange their own travel to and from the team house in Warsaw. 

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 Outreaches team. 

Health

Participants should be in good health, able to work with kids and engage in moderate physical work.

We recommend individuals to be fully vaccinated before travelling.

You can find more information regarding entry requirements on this website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/poland/entry-requirements 

Language

Participants must understand and speak English or Polish. If you doubt your capability to communicate in English or Polish, please ask your home office for more information. 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.

Notes

Individuals must be 18 or over. This outreach is tailored towards those aged 18-65. Mature minors who are 15+ and able to handle interactions with refugees are welcome to apply but must have parental consent and be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Driver’s license and 3+ years of experience driving is an asset. If you do and would be willing to be a driver (manual), please let us know asap. You would need to take your driving license with you.

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. 

Price is subject to change according to the exchange rate. 

Volunteers are responsible to organise their personal and travel insurance and ensure it covers all they need.

As part of our Safeguarding policy, you may require a valid enhanced DBS certificate which may cost an additional £15.

Taking the Next Step

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