General volunteer
The core of the team.
What you need
Aged 18 or over. Ideally at least one week; shorter stays considered. No experience necessary. Accommodation available if needed.
Volunteer
Come and work with us on the ground
Nothing we do would be possible without our volunteers. You will join a small team providing frontline support to displaced people in northern France, meeting people on the move and doing practical work every day.
Image 23 · 4:3Volunteers loading the van at the warehouse in the morningConsent, rights and credit to confirm
What a day looks like
Mornings start at the warehouse: loading water, hygiene supplies, the generator and the charging tables. At the distribution site you might run the showers, look after the charging tables, empty bins, pick litter, or simply sit and talk. Evenings are for packing down, cleaning the water points, restocking and a team debrief. It is physical, outdoor work in all weathers, and it is rewarding.
Image 24 · 16:9A volunteer at the shower unit or with a wheelbarrowConsent, rights and credit to confirm
Roles
Team lead
For people who can commit longer and drive.
What you need
Manual driving licence held for three years or more. Minimum six weeks. Accommodation may be available. Training and support provided.
Coordinator
Run the operation on the ground.
What you need
Ideally a minimum six-month commitment. Manual driving licence held for three years or more, comfortable driving vans and larger vehicles. Experience helpful but not essential.
What is provided
A private bedroom, meals, use of a vehicle, two days off a week and one week off every five weeks.
All role details, especially current vacancies and the coordinator package
Practicalities
We provide
Accommodation in shared volunteer housing if needed. Training and a briefing on your first day. All equipment and protective kit. Support from the coordinator and team leads.
To confirmYou bring
Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy boots. Travel to Grande-Synthe. A valid passport or ID. Travel insurance. An open mind.
To confirmGetting here. Grande-Synthe is ten minutes from Dunkirk by train or bus. Dunkirk has direct trains from Lille and Calais, and ferries from Dover. To confirm
Bring a group
Organisations, universities and informal groups are welcome for a day or a weekend, usually for a clean-up. Come for twenty minutes, an hour or a whole day. We supply gloves, pickers and wheelbarrows. Email us with your dates and group size.
Book a group dayComing here you will find the nicest group of humans. The things they do provide huge support to those on the move, seeking safety, and come from a place of genuine care.
Full version of the quote, with permission
Apply
Prefer email? Write to enquiries@rootsdk.fr with the subject ‘Volunteer | your name’.
Whether applications go to a form tool or straight to email
Questions
Do I need to speak French?
No. The team works in English. French, Arabic, Kurdish, Farsi, Pashto or Tigrinya are a bonus. To confirm
Is it safe?
You will be briefed on safety and always work as part of a team. We do not work at night. To confirm
Can I come for a weekend?
Yes for group clean-ups. For general volunteering a week is ideal so you can learn the routines.
Do I need to pay?
No. Accommodation is free if you need it. You cover your own travel and food. To confirm
Can I take photos?
Not of people without their clear consent. We will explain our photo rules on day one.