Befriender for Young Refugees

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Befriender for Young Refugees
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Please Note:
Our interviews and training programme are currently taking place online.
We are currently looking for volunteer befrienders to support unaccompanied asylum seeking children in Glasgow. As well as Glasgow, we are also looking for volunteer befrienders to support unaccompanied asylum seeking children in: Aberdeenshire, Inverness-shire, West Lothian, Galashiels, Moray, Dundee, Perth and Fife. The age of unaccompanied children on arrival in Scotland is around 13-17 years old so befrienders will be supporting mainly teenagers. Building social networks and social integration are a crucial part for young peoples’ successful transition to their new country and a volunteer can help support this by helping them get to know their new environment, introduce them to activities, and build confidence communicating in English. As a volunteer, you would have the satisfaction of supporting a young person in need, increasing your own confidence, enhancing your skills and experience – all the while having fun along the way!
What will I be doing as a Befriender?
Direct one-to-one befriending with a child or young person
Building a positive relationship based on trust and mutual respect
Helping with orientation: learning about their new community, transport links, cultural norms. Providing support to access and take part in social activities and opportunities within their local area, building on their conversational language skills. Motivate and encourage them to make positive choices in their lives. Listening to them by valuing and respecting their feelings, views and opinions. Where required taking an active part in reviews and evaluations.
What will I gain from the role?
High quality befriending training, child protection and role specific training
A sense of satisfaction in helping children and young people in challenging circumstances achieve their full potential
Practical experience of working with children and young people
Experience to get back into the workplace or education or to change career path.
At this time, because of feedback from the young people we support, we are particularly keen to hear from potential male volunteers; and whilst we are happy to accept applications from males and females of all ages we are keen to hear from potential volunteers in their 20s or 30s as our young people are often looking to share activities and experiences with people within this age range. Please note that this can sometimes be an active role (walking, cycling, sports). It may also be useful, though not essential, if a potential volunteer has access to a car as some travel may be involved. This role also requires a PVG and reference check which will be applied for and processed for by the project. If you are interested in this role please click the 'Apply' button below. We will then aim to be in touch with you within 5 working days to invite you for an informal chat where you can find out more about the role.
Outings will be weekly or fortnightly for 2-4 hrs, availability Mon-Fri morning/afternoon/evening, Sat morning/evening (this can be agreed between you and the young person you are matched with). We are ideally looking for a minimum commitment of 6-12 months. You must be at least 18 to apply for this role.
Perks and Benefits
- All travel expenses will be reimbursed - All out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed - Full induction training - Child protection training - Role specific training for unaccompanied asylum seeking children/young people - Ongoing support/training - You will also have a 1 hr support and supervision meeting every 6-8 weeks with ongoing support throughout the match. - High quality befriending training, child protection and role specific training - A sense of satisfaction in helping children and young people in challenging circumstances achieve their full potential - Practical experience of working with children and young people - Experience to get back into the workplace or education or to change career path.
Skills You'll Need
- A knowledge of some of the issues affecting care experienced / separated children and young people. - Awareness of how young people can be affected by trauma. - Ability to encourage and motivate children and young people. - Ability to work well with children and young people in a supportive way. - Good listening and communication skills. - Ability to relate to children and young people and to be able to see things from their point of view. Patience and understanding.
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You must be over 18 years old Applicants will be shortlisted Accessible Expenses Paid
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