Volunteering at The Welcoming
Our volunteers support English classes, friendship groups, health and wellbeing activities, sustainability activities, and events.
Volunteer with us
Games & Chat Group Volunteer
Location: Comely Bank area, Edinburgh
Time commitment: Wednesdays, 2 – 5 PM (minimum twice a month for four months)
PVG required: No
Start date: Ongoing recruitment
Contact: Gosia Kowalewska, Friendship Group Coordinator – [email protected]
Are you friendly, a good listener, and passionate about building community? We’re looking for volunteers to join our Games & Chat Group, a weekly social session for asylum seekers living in hotel accommodation.
This group offers a welcoming space to practise English, play games, and enjoy relaxed conversation. As a volunteer, you’ll help create a safe, friendly environment where everyone feels included and valued.
What you’ll do:
- Help set up and clear the space
- Welcome participants as they arrive
- Start conversations and support English language practice
- Encourage participation in games and chats
- Join occasional team check-ins and group supervision sessions
We’d love to hear from you if you:
- Speak at least intermediate English
- Are patient, empathetic and respectful of different cultures and experiences
- Enjoy connecting with others and supporting people to feel at ease
- Are reliable and open to learning
What you’ll get:
- Full induction and trauma-informed practice training
- Ongoing support and feedback from our Friendship Group Coordinator
- An opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives
- The chance to be part of a warm, values-led team
If you’re looking for a meaningful, community-based role where your time and kindness can have a big impact, this could be a great fit for you.
Ready to get involved or want to learn more?
Please contact Gosia Kowalewska at [email protected].
Read the full role description below:
Do you want to support our work?
There are many meaningful ways you can support our work and help us create a more welcoming Scotland for New Scots.
You can support The Welcoming by making a donation, partnering with us through fundraising or in-kind support, or by sharing our story to help raise awareness.
Have a question about volunteering?
To find out more about other types of volunteering, please contact [email protected]
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General information for volunteers
Volunteering opportunities with our partners
We work with a range of organisations across Edinburgh and Scotland. Sometimes, our partners have volunteering opportunities that are relevant to our volunteers. When these opportunities become available, they will be listed below.