Volunteer Mentor – Time Together

Time Together is an innovative volunteering programme, delivered by TimeBank in the West Midlands. Volunteers will be trained to mentor refugees and asylum seekers, and support them in working towards goals set by the mentee. The project aims to build community cohesion, reduce social isolation, and help build the resilience of refugees and asylum seekers. For volunteers this presents an opportunity to learn about issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers in their local community.

Volunteer mentors will meet with their mentee (asylum seeker or refugee) for approximately five hours each month, for a period of six months. Sessions will be one-on-one, on weekdays, out and about in the local community with the mentor offering practical assistance and social support. There will be an emphasis on meeting goals set by the mentee. Goals may include to learn a new skill, develop a hobby or simply meet new people in the community.

This support is offered during a period of transition, as the refugee or asylum seeker settles into UK life. Through the sessions mentees will benefit from improved English language skills, and gain a better understanding of UK culture and how to navigate themselves in their newfound surroundings. Volunteers will be fully supported throughout by a Project Coordinator.

Tagged as: communication, empathy, guidance, listening, mentor, mentoring, organisation, punctual, refugees, reliable, signposting, support, volunteer