Befriending
Arriving in a new place can be lonely. It is hard when you do not know anyone. The systems are different. The language might be new. It can feel like you have to figure everything out on your own - but you don't have to.
A friendly face in a new city
Our befriending service is here to help you feel more at home in Glasgow. We match people seeking asylum, refugees, and New Scots with a local volunteer. This person is your ‘buddy’. A buddy is a friend. They are someone you can talk to, spend time with, and get some practical help from.
The service is free and confidential. It is about building a real, human connection. It is a way to make a friend who can support you as you navigate life in a new city. Our aim is to reduce isolation and help improve your wellbeing. Feeling connected is an important part of feeling well.
Many of our buddies have lived experience of the asylum system themselves. They understand what you are going through because they have been through it too. They can offer a special kind of peer support that comes from shared understanding. Other buddies are local people who simply want to offer a warm welcome to new arrivals. All our volunteers are trained. We carefully match them to make sure we find the right person for you.
How a buddy can help you
Everyone needs something different from a friend. Your buddy is there to listen to you and support you in ways that are useful for you.
This could include things like:
Why this service exists
We started our Wellbeing Project in 2020. The COVID lockdown made life very difficult for people seeking asylum in Glasgow. Many services moved online, but people did not have smartphones, laptops or data to access them. This created huge digital exclusion.
At the same time, isolation became a massive problem. This was especially true for over 300 people seeking asylum who were moved into hotel accommodation. They were living in small, cramped rooms. They were unable to cook their own food or meet with friends. This had a serious impact on their mental health.
We saw that one of the most important things people needed was a human connection. A phone call from a friend, or a walk in the park, became more important than ever. Our befriending service grew from this need. It is a simple idea. We connect people who want to help with people who need a friend. It is about showing solidarity and building community, one friendship at a time. The asylum journey can be very traumatic, but a little bit of friendship can make a big difference.
Group activities and social connection
It is not just about one to one support. We also organise regular group activities. These are a great way to meet other people, improve your physical health, and have some fun. Our volunteers and participants help plan these events.
Activities can include:
These events are open to anyone we work with. They are a chance to get out, be active, and feel part of a community.
How to Get a Befriender
If you are an asylum seeker, refugee or New Scot living in Glasgow, and you feel lonely or isolated, our befriending service could be for you.
Please get in touch with us to find out more. We will arrange to have a chat with you about what you need and how we can help.
Become a Buddy Volunteer
You could be that friendly face for someone new to the city. Becoming a buddy is a simple but powerful way to make a difference in someone's life. It is also a great way to learn about other cultures and be part of a welcoming community.
You don't need special qualifications - just a few hours to spare.