Restore – Befriending a refugee

Restore is a Birmingham-based charity that welcomes and supports asylum seekers and refugees as they rebuild their lives in the UK. We are looking for compassionate and reliable volunteers

Restore is a Birmingham-based charity that welcomes and supports asylum seekers and refugees as they rebuild their lives in the UK. We are looking for compassionate and reliable volunteers to become Befrienders, helping individuals feel welcomed, connected, and supported as they settle into a new community.

As a Befriender, you will be matched with an asylum seeker or refugee and meet with them approximately every two weeks for a minimum of six months. Through friendship, conversation, and shared experiences, you can make a meaningful difference to someone’s journey in Birmingham.

Volunteer Duties May Include:

• Meeting with a matched asylum seeker or refugee every two weeks
• Helping them practise conversational English
• Exploring Birmingham together and visiting local places of interest
• Answering questions about life in the UK and British culture
• Providing a warm welcome, friendship, and informal support
• Encouraging confidence and community connections

What We’re Looking For

• A friendly, open, and non-judgemental approach
• Good listening and communication skills
• Reliability and a commitment to meeting regularly over a six-month period
• An interest in supporting people from diverse backgrounds
• A willingness to learn about the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers

No previous experience is required, as full training is provided.

Mandatory Training Day

All volunteers must attend Restore’s Befriending Training Day before becoming a volunteer.

Date: Saturday 13 June
Time: 9:45am – 4:00pm

The training will include:

Session 1

Introduction to Restore and the global refugee situation

Session 2

The asylum process in the UK and refugee resettlement schemes

Session 3

Guidelines, safeguarding, and boundaries within befriending relationships

Refreshments will be provided during the morning break, and a light lunch will be available during the afternoon break.

What’s In It For You?

• The opportunity to make a lasting difference to the life of a refugee or asylum seeker
• Increased understanding of global refugee issues and the UK asylum system
• Training and ongoing support from an experienced charity
• The chance to develop communication, mentoring, and relationship-building skills
• An opportunity to meet new people and contribute to a more welcoming Birmingham

Additional Information

Following the training day, attendees will have the opportunity to sign up as volunteer Befrienders and be matched with a refugee or asylum seeker.

Attendance at the training does not commit you to volunteering, and the course is also open to individuals from other organisations or anyone interested in learning more about refugee issues, even if they do not intend to volunteer with Restore.

Interested?

If you are interested in this opportunity, please complete the enquiry form and a member of the LoveBrum team will be in touch.