Role Overview
Befriending is at the heart of everything we do at SASS. Many volunteers naturally take on this role without even realising it, but it is one of the most important ways we support our community. A warm welcome, a friendly conversation, and acknowledging each person as an individual can make all the difference for asylum seekers and refugees who may feel isolated.
Befrienders help create a safe, welcoming space where community members feel valued and understood. Communicating in a member’s own language can be extremely helpful, while speaking in English also supports language development. By building trust, befrienders help identify urgent needs, provide emotional support, and assist in signposting to essential services using SASS’ Directory of Services.
Responsibilities
- Engaging in friendly conversations with community members.
- Welcoming new arrivals and helping them feel at ease.
- Listening to community members and understanding their needs.
- Communicating in English to support language development or in a member’s own language when helpful.
- Identifying urgent needs and passing them on to the relevant team.
- Assisting with signposting using SASS’ Directory of Services.
- Encouraging participation in drop-in activities.
Skills and Qualities
- A friendly and welcoming attitude.
- Good listening skills and an empathetic approach.
- Ability to communicate in a clear and supportive way.
- Multilingual skills (if applicable) are very helpful but not required.
- An understanding of cultural differences and challenges faced by asylum seekers.
- Ability to work as part of a team and refer people to the right support services when needed.
Time Commitment
- No fixed commitment – anyone attending a session can be a befriender!
- Volunteers can engage in casual conversations or take a more active role in connecting with those who may need extra support.
Support & Benefits
- Training and guidance on understanding asylum seekers’ experiences.
- The chance to make a real impact on someone’s sense of belonging.
- References available for job applications and asylum claims.
- Being part of a caring and supportive team working towards inclusion and community connection.
Volunteer Inductions
All new volunteers are invited to attend an induction session where they will learn about SASS, our mission, and key facts about the UK asylum system. The session also provides an overview of the different volunteer roles available, helping new volunteers find a role that best suits their skills and interests.
Volunteer Wellbeing & Feedback Sessions
To ensure volunteers feel supported and valued, we hold periodic wellbeing sessions where volunteers can discuss their experiences, provide feedback, and explore new opportunities within SASS. These sessions help us improve our work while creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all volunteers.
Contact Wayne:
Email: vol.sbassg@gmail.com
Mobile/Whatsapp: 07853 717017
SASS Community Drop-ins
Fridays: 4pm – 7pm – St James Parish Hall, Walters Road, Swansea. SA1 4QA
Google Maps
Saturdays: 12pm – 3pm – York Place Baptist Church, 1 York St, Swansea. SA1 3LZ
SASS Links
About SASS: www.sass.wales/about-sass/
SASS News: www.sass.wales/news/
SASS Directory: www.sass.wales/sass-directory/