About the Refugee Council

Founded in 1951, the Refugee Council exists to support people who come to the UK in need of safety and our purpose is to advocate with them for compassion, fairness and kindness. We achieve this by providing expert advice and casework, building the capacity of refugee community organisations, and working with allies across society to change government policy.

The Refugee Council is one of the leading organisations in the UK working with refugees and people seeking asylum.

Learn more about the Refugee Council here

About the Resettlement Team

The UK Government has committed itself to supporting Resettlement Schemes, whereby people fleeing persecution are selected and processed in the region of origin and brought to the UK with their refugee status already determined. Under these schemes a specific quota of refugees (single or within a family unit) come to the UK for resettlement.

In York, the Resettlement Team works with people from Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan and other countries to help them adjust to life in the UK, access services and establish community links. Working closely with the Local Authority and in partnership with other voluntary sector agencies running similar services in York, the Refugee Council’s Resettlement team promotes both the integration and independence of resettled refugees.

About this role

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, and the volunteers will ensure that the refugees are comfortable and safe throughout.

What could I be doing?

• Planning and organising sessions
• Practising conversational English during the sessions
• Supporting refugees accessing community groups or services, these may include libraries, community centres or groups, parent & toddler groups, leisure centres, etc.
• Working with, and reporting back to the Resettlement Team

Useful skills and experience

• Experience working with individuals who have a low level of proficiency in the English language is desirable but not essential.
• Excellent listening skills and the ability to empathise as well as establishing boundaries to avoid emotional over-involvement
• Willingness to empathise and learn about refugee issues
• Ability to research local activities, and plan activities accordingly
• Sensitivity to working in a multi-cultural organisation and the ability to work with colleagues from other cultures
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• A commitment to the Refugee Council’s vision, purpose and values
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Proactive and takes initiative

Time commitment

Minimum of 3 months – 1 hour every week or fortnightly

This role requires availability during weekdays (Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm).

The exact time of appointments will be agreed together with the client.

This role is subject to a satisfactory basic level Disclosure and Barring Service check. Repeat checks are initiated every two years.

Learn more about this role by downloading our task description here [PDF].

You can apply for this role using this application form [DOCX].

Interested? Contact Olivia Snook at olivia.snook@refugeecouncil.org.uk for more information.