Volunteering at The Welcoming
Our volunteers support English classes, friendship groups, health and wellbeing activities, sustainability activities, and events.
Volunteer with us
Volunteer Befriender
We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to support New Scots (refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants) through 1:1 befriending. As a Volunteer Befriender, you’ll meet weekly with your match to share social and cultural activities, build confidence speaking English, and help them feel more at home in Edinburgh.
“I have really enjoyed my befriending match. I learnt about the importance of cultural exchange in helping people feel welcome in a new place. I also feel like I have become more confident in making conversation with people from different backgrounds.
It’s a great opportunity to do good in the city of Edinburgh!”
– Volunteer Befriender 2025
What you’ll do:
- Meet for 1-3 hours weekly (flexible)
- Offer informal English practice
- Explore local areas and activities together
- Encourage connection and confidence in a new community
- Attend training and peer support sessions
What we’re looking for:
- Friendly and open-minded
- Good listener and communicator
- Interest in other cultures
- Reliable and respectful
What you’ll gain:
- Training, supervision, and peer support
- New skills and confidence
- The chance to make a real difference in someone’s life
PVG check provided free of charge.
9-month commitment from match date.
Download the Volunteer Befriender Role Description and complete the Online Application Form below:
Volunteer Befriender Role Description
For more information, contact:
Chiara Puppi, Befriending Programme Manager
[email protected]
Do you want to support our work?
There are many meaningful ways you can support our work and help us create a more welcoming Scotland for New Scots.
You can support The Welcoming by making a donation, partnering with us through fundraising or in-kind support, or by sharing our story to help raise awareness.
Have a question about volunteering?
To find out more about other types of volunteering, please contact [email protected]
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General information for volunteers
Volunteering opportunities with our partners
We work with a range of organisations across Edinburgh and Scotland. Sometimes, our partners have volunteering opportunities that are relevant to our volunteers. When these opportunities become available, they will be listed below.