Jesuit Refugee Service
About Jesuit Refugee Service
JRS UK provides holistic support including advice and casework support, practical support to asylum seekers who are destitute and living in London. We also have a small Befriending Scheme which is essential to our work supporting refused asylum asylum seekers. Through a dedicated team of volunteers, we support individuals with their emotional and mental wellbeing as well as respond immediately to any support needs through advice.
Service Eligibility
JRS UK supports destitute asylum seekers across Greater London.
Information for Volunteers
Our befrienders offer regular phone calls and occasional face‑to‑face meet‑ups with a refugee friend to provide companionship, a listening ear, and connection.
What you’ll do
- Make regular check-in calls (weekly) to build trust and offer encouragement
- Meet occasionally in a public place (e.g., for a walk or coffee), when comfortable for both of you
- Encourage engagement with JRS UK activities; relay any practical or wellbeing concerns to JRS UK staff
Why this role matters
The asylum system can be deeply isolating; befrienders ensure someone is not facing it alone. Refugee friends often tell us the reliability of a call makes a real difference to wellbeing and hope.
More InformationAge Groups
Adults (25-65)Themes
Refugees/Asylum SeekersRegions
Country: England
Other Regions: Greater London
Other Information
Type of Befriending: Distance befriending including telephone, video call, letter writing or other means, Face to face befriending which takes place in the home or community
Who can refer: Self Referrals Accepted