VITS

Voluntary Interpretation & Translation Service

We provide a free Interpretation and Translation service to the local community.  

Available to organisations or individuals who cannot afford to employ professionals in situations involving health, immigration, employment and social integration issues. Since the launch of this service we have successfully translated documents for local organisations such as Riverside, KIDS, Doula, British Red Cross, ARKH, Homestart, etc.

At present we have volunteers working in Amharic, Arabic, Farsi, Kinyarwanda, Lithuanian, Chinese, Oromic, Polish, Somali, Swahili, Tamil, Tigrina, Turkish, Urdu.

You can access the service by emailing [email protected] or ringing 01482 345132.

Accommodation

Housing Destitute Asylum Seekers

Every Thursday, we get asylum seeker who present themselves homeless/destitute and ask for accommodation.

International House: It is owned and run by York and Hull District Methodist Church. At the moment we have four destitute asylum seekers living there and being supported by Open Doors with support of generous individuals and churches.

Woodland House: It is a three bed room house belonging to the Catholic Church in Cottingham. The City of Sanctuary is managing it in partnership with the Open Doors project to accommodate failed destitute asylum seekers. Three people are residing at the moment.

Job Search

 Job Search Assistance and Support

There are many ways to look for employment, but do you know how or where to go? We aim to give you all the information and support you will need in the task of seeking and gaining employment.

What we offer:

Searching online for vacancies
Creating CVs
Assistance with application forms
Overcoming Employment issues
Interview skills advice
Information on other support services
Friendly support

Additional Services

There are a wide range of services and activities available.

Safe and warm welcoming place for socialising: Probably 60 to 70 people from more than 20 nationalities sit under one roof and benefit each others experiences and get to know each other
Lunch and Kitchen team: Our dedicated team of kitchen volunteers cook fresh food and serve nearly 50 to 60 clients weekly.
Used Clothing and household items: These types of products are donated by the public or organisations. They are put out on tables for clients to take according to their need.
Basic English spoken classes: Open Doors volunteers provide informal English classes for refugees and asylum seekers living in Hull.
Befriending and advocacy: Giving or offering moral, emotional, and social support to asylum seekers and refugees especially when they are dealing with their immigration case, health and education
Raising awareness to the problem through events and talks: We go to churches and schools on invitation and give awareness talks on asylum and refuges issues. We also take some of clients with us; they share their experiences if they wish.
Opportunities for Volunteers: We have a large number of volunteers from various background and cultures.
Travel expenses: when necessary we provide people with money for travel expenses, so they can go to legal appointments subject to funds availability.
Music: learning in informal classes is helping people who are going through loneliness, isolation, stress, depression and may have gone through various kind of traumas. This class brings them enjoyment and relief, and help them to manage their frustration and stress.
I T Facility: The computer suite has been upgraded and is well used.
Allotment: We have a dedicated group of volunteers working hard to produce a variety of vegetables. Vegetables are used for the Thursday lunch.