Refugee Befriending Scheme

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.

As a befriender, you will be carefully matched with a sanctuary seeker we think you will get along with. We need a range of volunteers of different ages, genders and life experience to make this possible.

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.

You will meet your friend regularly for at least three months, helping them explore the city, practice English, understand UK culture, and hopefully feel more welcome in our city. From visiting museums and galleries to enjoying a kickabout in the park or sharing favourite recipes, how you spend your time together is up to you.

Your friendship can make a real difference. As Abdullah puts it, “I feel like I count. You make me feel valued, supported, and accepted for who I am. That has made such a difference in my life, and I’ll never forget it.” Hani from Libya says, "It has made me feel like I am inside British society. I feel like I am in the real England now". 

If you are interested please complete our online application process https://www.hostnation.org.uk/befriend

Skills

We are looking for open-minded, welcoming individuals with a desire to promote social inclusion. Experience supporting vulnerable people or refugees is a bonus, but is not mandatory. The most important thing is a friendly character and enthusiasm to share the city and region with a new friend.