About us
Community InfoSource: Volunteer Befriender
Ongoing opportunity
What is the role?
Who are they?
What can I gain?
Where?
When can I volunteer?
Any requirements?
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Community InfoSource's Wellbeing Project offers ways in which asylum seekers can stay connected by improving digital access and increasing social connections either digitally or face to face. The CIS Wellbeing Project includes a Volunteer Befriending program which matches adults seeking asylum or refugees with a befriending volunteer. The volunteer can help identify needs, provide signposting, and support individuals to attend medical, legal and other appointments, access food-banks, overcome social isolation and become involved in community activities.
Key responsibilities include:
1. Provide befriending support (in the community and by phone)
2. Support individuals to overcome social isolation by linking them to community activities and
networks e.g. libraries, parks, community centres, religious places etc.
3. Record befriending experience in a journal, reporting any issues to the Befriending Coordinator
ABOUT THIS ORGANISATION
Community InfoSource (CIS) is a Glasgow-based charity advocating for the integration of people in the asylum system. The charity works with marginalised communities in Glasgow, primarily with asylum seekers and refugees, to put their ideas into action and to secure their rights. Our organisation is human rights and equalities based and community led. Community InfoSource - Home New Volunteer Awards 2022 - Volunteer Diversity Award (youtube.com)
WHAT COULD YOU GAIN?
Volunteer befriending is an incredibly rewarding role, as you will impact the lives of those you meet (in big and in small ways). It also offers the benefits of gaining third sector experience, cross cultural exchange and regular training/ development that you can highlight on your CV. We also regularly host wellbeing sessions and ‘thank you’ events for all our volunteers.
WHERE?
Remotely from home, CIS office (Albany Centre, 44 Ashley Street, Glasgow, G3 6DS) and in the community.
WHEN CAN I VOLUNTEER?
Ongoing
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SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
1. Good spoken and written English language skills. Additional language skills welcome.
2. Excellent empathy & listening skills.
3. A friendly attitude and good communication skills.
4. Being happy to adhere to equal opportunity / anti-discriminatory principles.
5. Able to maintain confidentiality.
REQUIREMENTS FOR STARTING THE ROLE
Informal chat with Befriending Coordinator
1 reference request
PVG