Supporting Wellbeing
The Wellbeing service exists to counter isolation. We help people connect with their new community, access the support they need, and find a sense of belonging. We offer friendship, practical help, and a chance to feel part of something.
How we can help support your wellbeing
Moving to a new city can be difficult. For people seeking asylum arriving in Glasgow, it can feel very lonely. The UK asylum system often leaves people without money, a way to contact others, or the support they need to start rebuilding their lives. This isolation has a serious impact on mental health and wellbeing.
Our work is focused on providing direct, human support. We know that small acts of kindness and a friendly face can make a huge difference. The project is built on three main pillars that help improve mental and physical health.
Our Buddy's - A friendly face in a new city
The core of our project is our befriending service. We match new arrivals with a Buddy Volunteer who can offer peer to peer support. Many of our volunteers have personal experience of the asylum system, so they understand the challenges from the inside. They know what it is like to feel lost in a new place. A volunteer might help with:
Staying Connected
So much of modern life happens online. Digital exclusion is a major barrier for people seeking asylum, cutting them off from essential support. We work to bridge this digital gap. Our volunteers can help people learn the digital skills they need to feel comfortable using technology. This support is vital for helping people manage their lives independently and reduce their sense of isolation.
Getting Out and About
Mental and physical health are closely linked. Spending time outdoors, getting exercise, and socialising with others are powerful ways to improve wellbeing. We organise regular group activities that give people a chance to leave their accommodation, explore their new home, and meet new people in a relaxed setting.
Why our volunteers are so important
Our Buddy Volunteers are the foundation of the Wellbeing Project. Many of them are people who have been through the asylum journey themselves. This lived experience is incredibly valuable.
When a volunteer can say "I've been where you are," it builds trust instantly. They can offer advice that is based on real understanding, not just theory. They know the small details that make a big difference, like where to find affordable food or which forms are the most confusing.
This peer support model creates a powerful sense of solidarity. It shows new arrivals that they are not alone and that there is a path forward. Our volunteers are a source of hope and inspiration, showing that it is possible to build a new life with dignity and support. They are living proof that community makes everything easier.
How to get involved with the Wellbeing Project
We are always looking for new people to join our community, whether you need support or want to offer it.
Asylum Seekers
If you are an asylum seeker in Glasgow and feel you would benefit from our project, we would love to hear from you. You can join our activities or ask to be matched with a Buddy Volunteer. Your information will be kept confidential, and our team is here to help you.
Volunteers
Becoming a Buddy Volunteer is a rewarding way to make a real, direct difference in someone's life. If you are a friendly, reliable person with good knowledge of Glasgow, we would welcome you to our team. Lived experience of the asylum system is valuable but not essential. What matters most is a willingness to listen and offer support.