Serving War Refugees in Poland 143
13 Apr 2025
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19 Apr 2025
GBP 300.00
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Journey Overview
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 are offering comfort, bringing joy and hope and living out Christ's love to those who need it the most.
To get a feeling what it is like, watch the short video:
https://youtu.be/RiTmaHZMoG0 Reaching vulnerable people affected by the war in Ukraine, seeking safety in Poland.
Language: It is a must that you 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/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.
Kids programs: It is prepared together by the 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.
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.
Dates: You need to arrive on Sun by 3pm and leave on Sat (or Fri evening). Due to limited accommodation, volunteers arrive on Sundays and depart on Saturdays. If you need to leave on Sunday, let us know, accomodation in the team house will be possible if there is space. Please, send us your travel itinerary asap.
There is a possibility to join the ministry for several weeks or even months and we strongly recommend it, because it helps to establish closer relationships and build on their foundation.
Staying more than a week you may have a possibility to join another ministry of OM Poland happening on Sat, you can also choose to have Sat off. We also make sure that there is some free time during the week to sightsee in Warsaw.
Volunteers are responsible to organize their personal insurance.
Weather: Please check current temperatures for day and night: https://www.accuweather.com/en/pl/che%C5%82m/264278/weather-forecast/26… and pack relevant clothing. Price excludes flights, insurance, any possible vaccinations and DBS check if required and is subject to change according to the exchange rate.
As part of our Safeguarding policy, and regulations in Poland, you will require a valid enhanced DBS certificate, which may cost an additional £20 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.
If you live in the UK, and are 18+, you can use this link to apply now https://www.uk.om.org/beacon-sto-application
For minors and groups who would like to apply, please contact us for relevant form.
What To Expect
Participants will run kids & youth programs, as well as women’s and seniors' meetings at refugee centers:
- psychosocial support
- community building
- Bible stories
- English lessons
- sports, crafts, music, art
They can also be involved in aid distribution and warehouse logistics at resource centers.
When time and language skills permit, they may spend time with refugees 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 include everyday devotions, chores and meal preparation at the team house, doing shopping and organizing the warehouse. Time spent together in the team house is an opportunity for fellowship and sharing.
Current activities are focused around Warsaw area which received 500 000 refugees.
Due to the fact that we’re working in a humanitarian disaster situation, the scope and location of ministry may be adjusted without prior notification.
Participant Profile
Age Range: 18-65
Participants Profile:
We invite participants who are:
- Flexible, adaptable and focused on serving others;
- Responsible and able to able to work under the authority of the local OM team and officials running refugee centers;
- Able to communicate in English or Polish; Ukrainian or Russian are a great asset;
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be accommodation provided?
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.
Will there be food provided?
Food at team house is provided and included (breakfast, cooked lunch, supper, snacks).
Do I need to make my own travel arrangements?
Participants need to arrange and cover their travel expense to and from the Team House in Warsaw.
We recommend a flight to Chopin International Airport (WAW) or Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI).
Further directions are provided in the Info for participants, incl. precise address and phone numbers.
Transportation to ministry locations is provided and included.
What should my health condition be like?
Participants should be healthy and fit, able to work with kids and engage in moderate physical work.
Polish Entry regulation information available on this website: https://www.gov.pl/web/coronavirus/travel
Do I need a visa?
Applicants should check if they need to apply for a visa to Poland.
Apply Now
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Your Local Office
Operation Mobilisation, The Quinta, Weston Rhyn, OSWESTRY, SY10 7LT, Shropshire, GB
Registered as a limited company by guarantee no. 2564320 and charity no.1008196 (England and Wales).
General enquiries: www.uk.om.org/contact-us
Short-term mission opportunities: shortterm.uk@om.org
01691 773388