Befriending Volunteer
Refugees Welcome North Somerset
| Name: | Befriending Volunteer |
| Organisation: | Refugees Welcome North Somerset |
| Location: | |
| Type: |
Part Time
Various locations in North Somerset. You will be linked to a refugee family or individual local to you.
This role is suitable for someone who is looking for a long-term opportunity.
We’re looking for people who are happy to volunteer on a flexible basis as needs arise.
We will aim to link volunteers with refugee families and individuals who are local to them.
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Description
If you love meeting people and want to help welcome refugees to the local area, this could be the role for you.
We’re looking for friendly, sensitive and proactive people to volunteer as befrienders. Volunteers will be linked with a family or individual and will be available at times to suit. You’ll need to complete training and have an up-to-date DBS check (which RWNS will organise).
Your role might include:
• Accompanying families or individuals to appointments, to help deal with the processes and provide support
• Giving help and advice about local groups and services available, how to get involved and support in attending
• Listening to what individuals have to say and what they would like to do
• Offering companionship to address the isolation of arriving in a new place
• Helping with information and advice about our local culture and community
• Helping to practice language skills
• Regular check-ins with volunteer coordinator and peer support with other volunteers
Request Organisation Contact Details
Organisation Description
We are regular people in North Somerset who welcome regular people displaced from their homes around the world. We do this through our befriending service, our welcome cafe and other projects.
Since 2016, we have been befriending families who arrive in our area through one of the government’s resettlement schemes.
By mid 2021, there were 12 families from Syria living in North Somerset. Since autumn 2021, we have welcomed five families from Afghanistan and have met unaccompanied young people. We are now preparing to welcome people who have fled from Ukraine.
When
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thurs | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
Cause / Interests
- Race and Ethnicity and Refugees
Types of Activity
- Advice, Information and Support
- Befriending and Buddying
Skills and Qualifications
Requirements
Friendly and sensitive individuals who can spend time getting to know their matched families.
It will require good listening skills, patience and a sense of humour.
Experience of teaching ESOL would be useful but not at all essential.
Benefits
This is an opportunity to make friends with newly arrived families and other befrienders.
You will get to see our local area from a different perspective.
You may also have the opportunity to appreciate different language, food and coffee.
Additional/Specific Suitabilities
| Minimum Age: | 18 | |
| Maximum Age: | NA | |
| Disabled Access: | Yes | |
| Wheelchair Access: | Yes | |
| Expenses: | For certain appointments | |
| Restrictions: | None | |
| Induction: | Opportunity to shadow experienced befriender. | |
| Insurance Cover: | N/A | |
| Special Needs: | Can be discussed. | |
| Offer: | Ongoing support with RWNS | |
| Training: | Cultural Awareness; Trauma awareness | |
| Other: | NA |
Recruitment Method
Application form, DBS Check, Informal discussion, References