Overview

Befriending Young Refugees was developed to provide social and community support to the increasing number of unaccompanied children and young people arriving in Glasgow. We match unaccompanied children and young people individually with a trained volunteer befriender who will support them to get to know their local area and connect with their community.

Befrienders will also support unaccompanied children and young people to overcome the range of challenges often encountered such as language and cultural barriers, poor mental health, the impact of trauma and anxiety about living in a new community and a different country.

This pilot service has been developed through consultation with unaccompanied children and young people and works closely alongside the Scottish Guardianship Service. We work in partnership with University of Stirling and are part funded by the European Social Fund and the Scottish Government.

Could you become a volunteer befriender?

We are looking for volunteer befrienders to support unaccompanied asylum seeking children across Glasgow. 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 developing trusting positive relationships, being a social support to them and helping with community integration.