CRIBS International
Our mission is to empower women who are heavily pregnant or have a new-born baby and have fled conflict or exploitation. By providing shelter, safety and support we get them off the streets of Athens and give them the chance to begin to recover from trauma, rebuild their lives and regain their independence.
The women we support are often travelling alone, and have fled from various regions including the DRC, Cameroon, Afghanistan, Syria, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. Many are survivors of exploitation. Having fled violence in their home countries, they have endured long and traumatic journeys and on reaching Europe they find themselves homeless on the streets of Athens. With little or no support from the Greek authorities they are in desperate situations and are at risk of further exploitation.
We house up to 15 families at one time, and our case managers support them to navigate the healthcare system, and provide advocacy around birth to ensure women have choice and dignity. They provide perinatal support, and give advice and support with breastfeeding. We assist with the complex asylum system, and with accessing psychological support, education opportunities and employment.
Our Free Shop serves the wider refugee community in Athens, specialising in providing the essentials for women, babies and children. Our Community Space is used for a range of activities, run by both CRIBS and other organisations, including our weekly Women’s Group.
Where is it?
Athens, Greece
What will I be doing?
We have various volunteer roles both on the ground in Athens and supporting remotely. In Athens, we often need Free Shop Volunteers, a Repair and Maintenance volunteer, Community Space Facilitator, and a Volunteer Doula.
Due to the nature of our work we ask that volunteers are flexible and open to supporting with other elements of our work if the need arises.
Remote volunteer roles include supporting with social media, admin, finance and fundraising, all vital to the continuation of our organisation.What impact would I have?
Volunteers have a huge impact on our work in whatever role they work in. In Athens, volunteers ensure that families have access to learning opportunities and employment support, building on their skills and supporting them to become independent after CRIBS. Our free shop volunteers ensure families have access to the basic essentials, with dignity. Our maintenance volunteers ensure that mothers and babies are living in a safe space. All of this care during the babies’ first year of life has a life changing impact on our families.
Who will I be working with?
We have a team of four long-term members of staff in Athens; two Case Managers, our Free Shop Manager, and our Housing & Maintenance Manager, along with a small team of long-term, local volunteers who support in our free shop. We also work closely with other organisations.
Our UK team consists of volunteers working on fundraising and administration.Whether in Athens or the UK you will liaise with Leonie who supports with recruitment, and Sally CRIBS founder.
Minimum age
20 years
Accommodation
We will advise and assist you to find a place to stay but we don’t currently have accommodation for volunteers.
Extra Costs
You are responsible for your own housing, medical cover, insurance and transport. We do not ask you to pay anything to the organisation but if you are able to fundraise before you come to assist us, this obviously would be a great help.
Skills required
- Children's Activities
- Early Childhood Support
- Education
- Breast Feeding Support
- Health Care
- Midwife
- Nurse
- Women's Activity Lead
- Women's Empowerment
- Women's Mentoring
Interested in volunteering?