Durham City of Sanctuary offers practical and emotional support to asylum seekers and refugees living in County Durham through our Befriending Scheme.

Volunteers attend workshops and are paired up with individual asylum seekers and refugees or family groups. Volunteers then undertake to take part in a variety of activities, including visiting refugees and asylum seekers and inviting them to take part in community activities. The aim is to offer friendship and support, help them access local services and to familiarise them with their local community.

Befriending Workshop – May 2016

What qualities do volunteers need?

• Volunteers must be aged over 18
• You should have an interest in asylum issues and human rights
• Have good interpersonal skills
• Be able to listen and understand difficulties
• Have a non-judgmental approach

If you are interested in joining Durham City of Sanctuary email us at [email protected] and we will send you one of our membership / volunteer forms.

N.B. Volunteers who wish to become part of our befriending scheme will have to complete a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) form.