‘Being connected with good people helps my mental health.  We have managed to meet in person and she is a wonderful person. I am happy that we have been connected.’

 J, Connection Friend

__________

Got space in your life for a new friend?

Interested in making a positive impact in the lives of people settling in Bristol? Know anyone who might be?    

We are looking for great people in Bristol, to join our September 2024 Connections befriending program.  

You will be connected to a refugee or person seeking asylum in Bristol, to build friendship over the phone and then in-person, throughout a 10 week program, in the hope that a friendship will grow beyond.  

Being new to a country or city can be daunting and isolating, but with your help, we can make it a little easier and create meaningful friendships. 

Commitment required from you:

• To be able to commit to ABCs Connections program for a minimum of 10 weeks from late September 2024
• To contacting your friend a minimum of twice a week via phone, Whatapp video call or text for chat, to build a friendship and signpost to support services where necessary
• To completing a short online report form weekly or more as required
• To attend weekly ZOOM volunteer 'wellbeing' sessions on Wednesdays at either 1pm or 6.30pm
• To attend our full IN-PERSON induction and training program on Saturday 21st September & Sunday 22nd September

***We welcome and encourage volunteers from diverse backgrounds and with additional languages. 

Support you will receive:

• Full Training
• Weekly Zoom volunteer wellbeing sessions
• Telephone support when needed

Our Requirements

• A BASIC ONLINE DBS check
• 2 references, 1 professional and 1 character reference.
• Applicants must be Bristol based and over 18 years old.

Interested? If so, we'd LOVE to hear from you!