Volunteer

Get involved in your community and help make Bristol a welcoming city

Make a difference in your community and connect with people of different cultures, backgrounds and faiths across Bristol. 


Volunteering with Bridges for Communities is a great way to respond to some of the big issues in the world and to do something positive where you live. It’s a way of coming in the opposite spirit to the narratives of fear and hate, by connecting with real people and celebrating our shared humanity. It’s also an opportunity to develop and enjoy new experiences. You’ll connect with people from different backgrounds, learn new skills and share what you know.

Volunteer

Sign up today to start volunteering or keep reading to find out more.

I have been volunteering with Bridges for the last six months and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

I have especially enjoyed the excursions I have accompanied, to the beach, to a wild life park, to an adventure park.

Seeing those families who have suffered so much having a fun day out is a privilege in itself. And their joy and laughter a delight 

Sue, Event Volunteer

Volunteer Roles

There are lots of ways you can volunteer with Bridges for Communities, whether you are interested in meeting someone new, sharing your skills or experience, or simply looking to be a force for good in your community.

Befriending

One-to-one support for asylum seekers & refugees.

Volunteers give 1.5 – 2 hours a week to spend time with and welcome an asylum seeker or refugee who is isolated in Bristol. We work with people of all nationalities, as well as families who are resettled by Bristol City Council. We are always looking for new volunteers to become a befriender. Training and support is provided. 

(If you have children, and would like to include them in your volunteering, we can often accommodate this on our befriending programme.)

Time requirement:
2 hours per week, with a year commitment

Who you are:
You like connecting with new people and cultures, you are patient with those who don’t have English as their first language, you are very reliable and good at time keeping, and you’re chatty and friendly.

What you’ll do:
Meet with your befriending partner every week (holidays are allowed!), explore different areas of Bristol, chat (slowly if needed!) in English.

Task Volunteering

Welcoming families who have fled war & persecution.

Volunteers give 1-2 hours a week to support a refugee family with tasks, supporting them in that task but also guiding them towards independence. Examples include helping with forms (and teaching them how to do it themselves next time), help with job applications, managing appointments and liaising with schools.

We are looking for lots of volunteers to join us. Training and support is provided.

Time requirement:
1-2 hours per week, with a year commitment

Who you are:
You like connecting with new people and cultures, you are patient with those who don’t have English as their first language, you are very reliable and good at time keeping. You enjoy supporting those new to Bristol and welcoming them to the community and are confident to arrange to regularly meet new people.

What you’ll do:
Check the Voluntero app on a weekly basis to see if there is a task you can support an individual/family with, either in their home or meeting in a cafe or other public setting. You will empower those new to Bristol to navigate new systems, for example, learning how to read and submit meter readings for utility companies or applying for school placements, whilst having a cup of tea and casual chat.

Walk With Me

Group walks to support the physical and mental health of people seeking asylum.

We are looking for volunteers to join one or two walks a month to give those seeking asylum the opportunity to meet new people and practise their spoken English, as well as exploring new places in Bristol and the surrounding areas. Walks will mostly be on weekends.

Time requirement:
Around 3 hours per walk event

Who you are:
You like connecting with and welcoming new people and cultures, are friendly and chatty; you are patient with those who don’t have English as their first language; you are reliable and responsible. You can get to the starting location of the walk on time, whatever the weather!

What you’ll do:
Attend a ‘Walk with Me’ walk as and when you are available. You’ll help us make sure everyone is safe by keeping an eye on the group and individuals as you are walking. You’ll chat with those participating in the walk, making them feel welcome and encouraging them in their English conversation skills.

Stitching Together

Welcoming spaces where women sew together.

Women volunteer 2.5 hours a week to join refugee and asylum-seeking women in Bristol and Yate, who are unleashing their creative talents, and making beautiful textile-based art, clothes, and homewares, while gaining confidence and making friends. You’ll join in with the sewing classes, help women with their English and make everyone feel safe, supported and loved.

Time requirement:
2.5 hours per week, with a year commitment

Who you are:
You like connecting with new people and cultures, you are patient with those who don’t have English as their first language, you are very reliable and good at time keeping. Friendly and helpful, you enjoy sharing your love of stitching and sewing.

What you’ll do:
Attend one of the weekly sewing classes to help the ladies with their sewing. Make tea and coffee, conversation and sometimes help with English. Help with setting up and packing way.

Welcome Events

We always welcome more volunteers at our events that bring people together from different backgrounds. Events are often at weekends and in school holidays, as well as evenings mid-week. Examples of events include Peace Feasts, Welcome Events and Sharing Festivals.

Time requirement:
3 -6 hours, depending on event

Who you are:
You like connecting with and welcoming new people and cultures, are friendly and chatty; you are patient with those who don’t have English as their first language; you are very reliable and responsible, and good at time keeping. You are happy to help facilitate an event.

What you’ll do:
Attend a welcome event as and when you are available. You’ll help us make sure everyone is safe if we are on a trip to a public place (e.g. our annual Beach Trip). At other events, we may ask you to help serve food, make teas and coffees or help with arts and crafts. You’ll chat with those participating in the event, making them feel welcome and encouraging them with their English.

Volunteering for Bridges has given me a feeling of connection to people in my community I wouldn’t usually get to know as well as a sense of purpose and feeling useful.

Rosie, Task Volunteer

Training

Training is provided for these roles and covers

  • Bridges for Communities – What we do and why.
  • Further information about the different volunteer opportunities.
  • Guidelines for volunteering, including safeguarding, trauma, confidentiality, culture and language. 
  • Specific guidelines related to the volunteer opportunity you have chosen.

Basic DBS checks and references are required. We pay for your DBS and follow up with your referees.

Dates for upcoming volunteering training are included on the sign up for below.

If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact us using the contact form below.

Volunteer

Sign up for our next training if you want to volunteer with Bridges in Bristol.

Resources

We provide information, videos and resources to help you on your volunteering journey.