Organisation Name:
Refugee Council
Organisation's Cause(s):
Local Community
Migrant Support
Location of voluntary activity:
York & Surrounding Areas
When are volunteers needed: 1-2 hours a week. This role requires availability during weekdays (Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm). The exact time of appointments will be agreed together with the client.
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Befriending / Buddying
Community Work
Role description:
Volunteer Befrienders support refugees to build their confidence and to integrate into the local community and work towards self-reliance. The volunteer will have the opportunity to be flexible and creative by planning the sessions with the client, according to their specific needs and interests. The sessions can include visits to various places such as libraries and community groups, and the volunteers will ensure that the clients are comfortable and safe throughout. Supporting clients to practise English is a big part of the role.
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
Useful experience
• Experience of taking part in or organising community activities would be desirable but not essential.
• Experience working with individuals who have a low level of proficiency in the English language is desirable but not essential.
Useful skills, knowledge, and abilities
• Excellent listening skills and the ability to empathise as well as establishing boundaries to avoid emotional over-involvement
• Great communication and interpersonal skills
• Proactive and takes initiative; organised
• Encouraging and empowering
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Ability to research local activities, and plan activities accordingly
• Willingness to empathise and learn about refugee issues
• Sensitivity to working in a multi-cultural organisation and the ability to work with colleagues from other cultures
• A commitment to the Refugee Council’s vision, purpose and values
• Knowledge of Arabic, Pashto, or Dari would be desirable, but not essential.
Will there be a DBS check? Yes
Driving Licence required? No
Volunteer's own vehicle required? No
Suitable for:
Ongoing Volunteering
What will the volunteer gain/benefit from:
• The Refugee Council is one of the leading organisations in the UK working with refugees and people seeking asylum; you will have the opportunity to be part of a dedicated and experienced team.
• Experience working with refugees: Volunteers will work directly with clients, and so will become more aware of the issues facing refugees.
• Intercultural communication skills: Volunteers will learn to effectively communicate with people from different countries and cultures.
• Experience working with low-level English speakers: Clients will often have low levels of English, and so befrienders will gain experience on how to effectively communicate in these situations.
• Experience planning activities: Through researching and organising activities, volunteers will gain relevant transferable skills.
• Making a difference: Volunteers will be paired with refugees who are often vulnerable and help them to gain confidence and improve their English. This experience is invaluable for refugees and makes a real difference to their lives.
• Volunteers will be given training before starting the role and will have the opportunity to attend further training as part of the Refugee Council team.
How to get involved:
If you are interested, please follow the link below for details on how to get in touch and arrange a chat, or to complete an online form.
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 31-07-2025