Alcanzando tu potencial en el Reino Unido
Info Latinos volunteers
What is the Info Latinos buddy scheme?
The Info Latinos buddy scheme is a free support network for Latin Americans coming to the UK.
Our network of bilingual volunteers offer support, friendship and connections to help Latin Americans settle into UK life in an informal, fun and sociable way.
As a bilingual volunteer you will provide 2-6 months’ support to one person on the scheme, through conversations over the phone or face-to-face. There will be opportunities to join meet-ups with other buddies and Latin Americans on the scheme.
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You will attend an orientation to the scheme and join a WhatsApp group where volunteers can share ideas and support each other.
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Latin Americans on the scheme also join a WhatsApp group and have access to an online information hub, regular learning sessions to support settling into the UK, coaching and employability support.
Why become a volunteer?
Becoming an Info Latinos volunteer is rewarding. You will have a sense of purpose helping someone settle into the UK, make new friends and brush up your Spanish. You’ll also learn more about other countries and cultures through your new connections - from making empanadas to dancing bachata!
“Volunteering with Info Latinos has helped to maintain a level of fluency in Spanish and connect with an amazing community of Spanish speakers and Latinos. Over the last few cohorts, the conversations have been unique, joyous, and insightful. I wholeheartedly recommend it to all Spanish speakers. Reach out and get involved by volunteering a few hours a month. It doesn't take much to support a Latino as they transition to the UK!”
Hannan, Info Latinos volunteer
Hear it from a volunteer
“Prior to the first meeting with my buddy I felt excited but uncertain how well we would connect. I didn’t need to worry, we hit it off, finding out about each other’s families and our hobbies, managing to talk in both languages and laughing when we filled in each others’ language gaps.”
James, Info Latinos volunteer
FAQs
Should I meet my buddy face to face or on the phone?
This is a choice for you and your buddy. We do encourage buddies to meet face to face sometimes, as it’s great for building rapport and can be good fun. If you can’t meet in person try to meet over video call, which is more friendly than voice only and helps interaction. We find often a mix of face to face and remote meetings is the most sustainable mix.
How good does my Spanish need to be?
You need to have some conversational Spanish. If you can maintain a simple conversation with someone about mutual interests, family, work, etc this should be enough. Joining Info Latinos is a good opportunity to improve your Spanish. You will speak in both Spanish and English in your buddy sessions and at meet ups, and you will probably need to learn new vocabulary as the range of subjects you talk about with your buddy grows!
What support do I get?
We run an online orientation session for volunteers at the start of each cohort. In addition, you join a Volunteer WhatsApp group where you can share ideas with others and ask any questions you may have. You will also have a one-to-one check-in session with someone from the Info Latinos team after the first month to ensure everything is on track. We run regular online learning sessions on different aspects of settling into the UK that can be helpful for you as well as for your partner.
Do I need to be an expert in refugees?
No. Not all those on the buddy programme are seeking asylum, and your role is to befriend and mentor, not to provide specialist support. However, as a buddy you will need empathy with those trying to build a new life in the UK and sensitivity to the challenges people may have experienced before arriving here.
What’s the time commitment?
You will ideally spend an hour a week speaking with your buddy - either on a call or in person - for six months. In addition there are opportunities every month to interact - either an online learning session or a meet up. These are optional, and usually last between 1-2 hours each.
Do I have to be based in London?
No. The people we work with can be based anywhere in the UK. Some may move during the programme, especially if they are in temporary accommodation under the asylum system. Most of our in person meet ups are in London, however there are many opportunities to meet online if you aren’t able to join these.