Lewisham Refugee Welcome matches volunteer befrienders with Syrian & Iraqi refugees who are resettled in the UK under the government's SVPR scheme. When refugees arrive, Lewisham Council provides infrastructural support; case workers at the Refugee Council take care of practicalities and day to day support; and LRW volunteers support with vital integration, creating the bridges between refugees and the communities they move into.
Refugees arriving here have fled trauma, violence and oppression and simply want a place of safety for themselves and their families. Our volunteers become their friends: we are not social workers, council or case workers - we are the people you call when you want to know how to get around the local area, what English words mean, or just when you want a cup of tea and a friendly face.
Our core aim is integration, based on the understanding that life is better when you feel accepted, welcomed into and part of your local community.
Volunteers take on many roles - some help with English language, helping refugees improve their English which in turn helps them integrate and feel part of life in Britain. Some like to plan events, coming up with fun ways to spend time together. We have 'buddy mums' who support refugees with young children to get to know the services around us for families, understand the education system and provide homework support. Others prefer a much more informal set-up, simply becoming a local friend that refugees can rely on. We understand that every relationship is unique and special.
Volunteers are core to what we do, and LRW provides a full support package. We offer a full induction and ongoing dialogue to make sure people feel comfortable throughout their befriending journey. We run regular training sessions with a variety of experts, local organisations, refugee rights champions etc; and a newsletter with info on local events, ideas for befriending etc. We will be offering social events and opportunities to meet other volunteers, refugees and local organisations (pending government guidelines). We welcome volunteers from every part of society.
