The role of a Befriending volunteer
The Befriending project allows isolated asylum seekers and refugees, through regular visits, to forge a relationship with a trained, supportive adult for a period of 6 to 12 months. Care is taken to match the right volunteer with the right client. The aim is to help people settle in Leeds, integrate into the local community, access services and overcome the emotional stress caused by past trauma and the asylum process.
Last year 103 Asylum Seekers and Refugees were befriended by our volunteers who succesfully improved their well being and feeling of safety.
One or two hours of your time each week can make all the difference
Farid (name changed for confidentiality reasons) was referred by a mental health worker. He had experienced torture and was physically and mentally very damaged. He couldn't make eye contact, and swung from side to side. He was waiting for a decision on his asylum claim and, despite support from a mental health nurse, a trauma counsellor and a psychiatrist, was finding it really difficult to function at all.
Kevin, our LASSN befriender, was very experienced with people, well resourced and clear about boundaries. Farid was quickly able to trust Kevin enough to talk to him about his mental state. Kevin was even able to get Farid out in the sunshine, to the park on a few occasions.
Just as Farid was starting to feel safer, his asylum claim was refused. He returned to a state of constant fear and high anxiety. Kevin's support and stability was essential. He made it possible for Farid to get in touch with the solicitor, get the support letters in terms of his health, and physically to escort him to the court of appeal. Farid said that Kevin's presence gave him the strength to say what he needed to the judge.
Farid was enormously pleased when his appeal was successful. But the Home Office appealed against the decision. This caused Farid such an episode of despair that he was admitted to hospital. Eventually he heard that the Home Office's appeal had not been successful.
There was, of course much celebrating. Then Farid announced he was going to move to London. Kevin supported Farid in his decision, alongside making sure his choice was an informed one. Then he helped Farid buy his coach ticket, and early one morning went to the station to wave goodbye.
If you would consider becoming a volunteer Befriender, please download our application form and send to Pauline, Befriending Manager or telephone 0113 373 1759.
We have produced a Transition Guide as an aid to our volunteers when supporting refugees who have just been given permission to stay in the U.K. It provides local information and practical advice to help refugees deal with the complexities of moving from NASS accommodation and support into the mainstream housing and benefits system.
On 31st May 2007, the Befriending scheme was awarded Approved Provider Standard by the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation
.