Befriender
If you'd like to befriend an asylum seeker or refugee trying to find their feet here in the UK, we would love to hear from you. We ask for an initial commitment of three months, during which we suggest a phone chat once a week and an outing at least once a fortnight. This is your opportunity to show your befriendee around, introduce them to free activities and help them participate more in UK life. They’ll have the chance to get to know a friendly local and practise their English. And you may find a real friend in the process!
About Host Nation
HostNation believes every refugee deserves a friend. We connect those offering friendship with those needing it. Befriending is a chance to reach out as willing volunteers to give marginalised refugees and asylum seekers a more positive experience of our cities and towns and everything they have to offer. It is a chance for refugees to practise their English with a native (or at least fluent) English speaker, to learn more about British culture and traditions and to participate in English life. A good way to look at it is to see your befriendee as your city or town’s ‘guest’ and you as their local ‘host’. Even people who have been in the UK a decade or more have experienced very little of what Britain has to offer.
What skills do I need?
No specific requirements - however language knowledge is always a bonus! Most of all, we want to know your interests and the type of kind person you are! In order to make worthwhile matches.
Posted for
Host Nation
Interests
- Black and Minority Ethnic Communities
- Civic Responsibility and Communities
Activities
- Supporting People and Befriending
Details
- Accessibility
- Age restrictions
18 plus - DBS check required
- Equal Opportunities Policy
- Expenses reimbursed
We offer refugees travel expenses such as a Metro Card. Our befrienders are not expected to provide financial support towards their friendship. - Volunteer induction
There will be an initial training zoom session to introduce you to the overall process. We also provide a Volunteer Handbook. - Volunteer Policy
- Volunteers covered by insurance
- Vulnerable Adults Policy (where relevant)
- Written role description
When can I volunteer?
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Afternoon | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Evening | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Availability Details
To be a befriender with HostNation means you can volunteer with a refugee any time during the week, from 3-4 hrs a week.
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