In the morning before heading out we set a plan for which camps to focus on that day and stock our bags to take.  Once ready, we will head out into the camps wearing scrub tops to make ourselves noticeable to the refugees.  We tend to a lot of wounds, cleaning and dressing them as well as treating common complaints such as gastric issues, pain, cough, colds and flu and some long term health problems, to name just a few.  We may also see people that will require further secondary care for chest infections, tetanus shots, etc and will act as advocates escorting them to receive the necessary treatment in hospital or medical centres.

The camps are located in Porte de la Chappelle and Porte d’Auvervilliers and are all within walking distance between each other. This area of Paris is approximately 40 minutes from Charles du Gaulle Airport with train and taxi links between.  We suggest volunteers finding accommodation in this area to reduce their travel expenses.  There is a hostel and many AirBnB’s available.  First time volunteers will not find themselves alone without someone with previous experience in the camps to support them.

Once volunteers have confirmed they wish to join the team, we encourage fundraising to buy medical supplies, as with so many refugees living in Paris and medical aid in such high demand, supplies regularly need to be restocked.  You will get to know your fellow teammates well, spending time working together in the camps as part of a multi-disciplinary team to provide overall holistic care, as well as talking over lunch or dinner in the evening whilst decompressing from the day’s busy work.