Are you interested in befriending a refugee or an asylum seeker? 

If so, befriending is the project for you. We just need you to complete the following steps:

Apply to volunteer here.

Attend our in-person induction and online befriending training.

You will be required to attend an in-person induction and an online befriending training. To accommodate all interested volunteers, these trainings can take place in the evening.

Be matched for befriending. 

Matches are made based on your skills and interests and participants’ needs and interest. Each befriending match lasts between 12 and 15 weeks. During the match, both the volunteer and the participant receive support and supervision from Refugee Roots. 

Responsibilities 

• Planning sessions and following protocols.

• Communicating with the coordinator and your befriendee.

• Completing a log of volunteering.

Commitment

• You will need to attend an initial induction training and then a befriending specific training. Otherwise, the time commitment is very flexible and will meet your availability.

• Befriending matches last from 12 to 15 weeks as standard, but the availability of the volunteer is always taken into account, and no decisions are made arbitrarily.

• Befriending pairs typically meet once per week, for 1 hour per meeting.

• If agreed beforehand, the frequency of meetings may be less than this.

Location

The location of the befriending will vary based on the particulars of the match and the interest of the volunteer. 

Popular locations include:

• Parks and green spaces around Nottingham

• Cafes and libraries

• Museums and galleries 

Outcomes:

Increased confidence.

Improved English.

Reduced isolation.