Volunteer Humanitarian Helpdesk

The Humanitarian Helpdesk is a safe place in the city where we help different people, who are usually in vulnerable situations. The Humanitarian Helpdesk Haaglanden is a new aid activity where we try to handle different requests for help as best as possible. The focus is not on where people come from, or why they are in this situation. The emphasis is on the request for help itself, which often relates to basic needs such as shelter, food or medical care. The Humanitarian Helpdesk sees a diverse group of people, including people living in poverty, undocumented people, refugees and migrant workers.

Is this something for you? Then come and join our team at the Humanitarian Helpdesk! Together we make the offered aid in the city more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

How do we help someone?

Upon arrival, people are welcomed in a friendly manner and given something to drink. Time is then taken to listen to the person's story in order to clarify the request for help; this is always without judgement. Based on their story, they are linked to other organisations that specialise in what someone needs. This is often possible within the network of organisations that the Red Cross has in the city.

Below are some examples to give a clearer picture of the requests for help and the people we see at the Humanitarian Helpdesk:

• People who cannot buy enough groceries for themselves or their family. The Red Cross can refer these people to the Food Bank or other food initiatives.
• Migrant workers who have lost their jobs often also lose their housing. The Red Cross connects them to partners who provide them with information about their rights and support in finding a new job or returning to their country of origin.
• If someone has medical complaints, but that person has no insurance, is undocumented or currently has no residential address, we can help make an appointment with a street doctor, or we can see how someone can get to a general practitioner.
• Undocumented people can be linked to organizations that focus on undocumented people for legal advice or other assistance, and we also inform them about food initiatives in the city where they can get meals.

What are you going to do?

The Humanitarian Helpdesk has a walk-in consultation hour on Thursdays from 12:00 to 16:00. You will always work the shift together with another colleague. What can you expect from your tasks as a volunteer?

• You are the point of contact for help seekers during the opening of the HHD. You also handle help requests by telephone and email.
• You offer a listening ear and try to get as clear a picture as possible of the request for help.
• You help people with information and referrals to other organizations.
• You contribute to mapping the aid available in the city.

Who are you?

The Humanitarian Helpdesk is a new aid activity of the Red Cross Haaglanden.

We are looking for someone who:

• enjoys helping in the start-up phase and wants to think about impactful aid.
• Able to communicate empathetically and sensitively and to empathize with the background of the person seeking help.
• Interested in building the social map of The Hague
• Good command of English. Knowledge of Dutch is useful but not necessary.

What do we offer?

• A social and warm environment with a large volunteer network.
• The Red Cross offers various training courses, such as a first aid course.
• You are involved in a social project that matters and can make a direct difference for people in a vulnerable position.
• Travel and expense allowance.
• In addition to meaningful work, there is also time for relaxation! We regularly organize fun events and drinks where fun is paramount!

More information?

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Eva at 06-20433251 or email [email protected].

We are looking for new colleagues with talent and we are not guided by cultural background, physical limitations, gender identity, religious beliefs, orientation or age.