HostNation connects refugees and asylum seekers with friendly local volunteers for regular, in-person meetups in London, Greater Manchester, and Tyneside.
If you are an asylum seeker or refugee aged 18 or over, living in one of these areas, and you speak reasonable English, HostNation can help you find a local friend. This is a wonderful way to:
- Learn about life in the UK
- Practise your English in real conversations
- Explore new places like cafes, parks, markets, or museums
- Build a supportive friendship and feel more at home
How it works:
- You are matched with a local volunteer befriender
- You both agree to meet regularly for three months
- Many friendships continue well beyond this period!
Most people are referred by a support organisation, but some can self-refer. If you need more support, HostNation also provides links to other refugee support organisations in your area for advice, housing, legal help, and more.
There is no cost to join this service.
Service access criteria:
Over 18, can speak sufficient English not to need an interpreter to conduct basic conversation, interested in meeting a friendly Londoner, do not have high or complex mental health needs, not a risk to themselves or others, not homeless, destitute, facing detention or deportation, remaining at same address for 3-6 months
Categories:
Connecting with others
Additional needs catered for:
N/A
Waiting list (weeks):
0
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Who can refer:
Professional referrals only