Info Latinos Buddy Scheme

Info Latinos
Buddy Scheme

A movement that transforms lives

What is the Info Latinos Buddy Scheme?

The Info Latinos Buddy Scheme is a free support network for Latin Americans living in the UK.
It connects bilingual volunteers (buddies) with newcomers to help them settle, make friends, and feel part of the community in an informal, friendly and sociable way.

As a bilingual buddy, you will support one participant for six months, through regular phone calls or face-to-face meetings. You’ll also have opportunities to join group meet-ups with other buddies and participants.

All buddies take part in a short orientation session and join a WhatsApp group to share ideas, ask questions, and support each other.

Participants also have access to:

A WhatsApp group for peer connection
An online information hub
Regular learning sessions
Group coaching and employability support to help them adapt to life in the UK

Why become a Buddy?

Becoming a buddy is a rewarding experience.
You’ll:

Help someone feel welcome and confident in a new country
Strengthen your sense of purpose and connection
Improve your Spanish while supporting someone learning English
Discover new cultures, from making empanadas to learning bachata!
Make meaningful friendships and gain new perspectives

“Buddying 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 with each buddy 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

What Do I Need to Become a Buddy?

You don’t need formal qualifications; just empathy, curiosity, and a willingness to help.
However, all buddies should have basic conversational Spanish. You’ll speak both Spanish and English during your meetings and group activities.

We look for buddies who demonstrate:

Empathy with people starting a new life in the UK
Sensitivity to the challenges they may have faced before or after arriving
Patience and an open mind
A positive attitude and sense of humour
Respect for diversity and cultural differences

If this sounds like you, and you’d like to learn more, contact the Info Latinos team for further details.

Key Points – Overview

Six-month volunteering commitment
Regular one-to-one meetings (by phone or in person)
Mix of roles: friend, mentor, coach, and language exchange partner
Support network through WhatsApp and meet-ups
Open to all volunteers with conversational Spanish and an interest in helping others

Your Role as a Buddy

As a buddy, your role combines elements of a friend, mentor, and coach — someone who listens, supports, and empowers.

As a Friend

Build trust and genuine connection.
Share experiences, interests, and cultural insights.
Help your buddy feel valued and that they belong.
Offer a friendly space to talk about their experiences in the UK.

As a Mentor

Use your experience of UK life to guide your buddy.
Share practical knowledge, from finding affordable supermarkets or registering with a GP, to learning English or understanding the culture in the UK.
Connect them with useful people, services, or community resources.

As a Coach

Support your buddy to make their own decisions and set achievable goals.
Ask open questions, listen actively, and help them explore their options.
Focus on empowerment and self-discovery rather than giving instructions.

As a Language Partner

Practise both Spanish and English during your conversations.
Help build your buddy’s confidence in speaking English through encouragement, not correction.

Key Points — Your Role

Offer six months of support through regular one-to-one meetings.
Speak both Spanish and English.
Be a friend, mentor, coach, and language partner.
Focus on empathy, respect, and empowerment.

Getting Started

Starting as a buddy can feel exciting, and a bit daunting!
We run two cohorts per year (usually in February and July), and we’ll match you with a participant based on language and location.

You’ll be asked to commit to weekly or fortnightly sessions (by phone, video call, or face-to-face).
Each new cohort begins with an orientation session where you’ll meet other volunteers and learn how the scheme works.

“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

The First Session

The first meeting is about building connection and trust. Keep it light, friendly, and informal.
Your goal is to get to know each other, and establish how you’ll work together.

Tips for your first session:

Start with simple introductions (e.g. “My name is Sarah — what’s your name?”).
Be sensitive when personal topics arise; let your buddy lead.
Share something about yourself before asking them to share.
Aim for a 50/50 balance between English and Spanish.
Agree on practical details:
- How often you’ll meet
- Preferred days/times
- How you’ll communicate (WhatsApp, calls, video, etc.)
- What to do if one of you needs to reschedule

Key Points — First Session

Keep it friendly and relaxed.
Use both English and Spanish.
Establish a regular schedule and clear communication methods.

Building the Relationship

A strong relationship is the foundation of a positive buddy experience.
Consistency, empathy, and flexibility are key.

Frequency

Aim for one hour per week at a regular time.
If you miss a week, try to rearrange.
Stay in touch between sessions with short WhatsApp messages or voice notes.

Communication

Use video calls whenever possible, they help build connection.
If internet access is limited, phone calls work too.
Meet in public places (parks, cafés) for safety.
You can also “double-buddy”, meet with another buddy pair to share experiences.

Setting Goals

Together, define one or two goals your buddy wants to achieve during the six-month programme — such as improving English, finding a course, or joining a community group.
Keep goals realistic and review them regularly.

Building a Meaningful Connection

Balance fun and friendship with practical support.
Let your buddy guide what they need help with.
Remember: relationships take time, patience and flexibility go a long way.

Ideas for Conversations and Activities

Discuss hobbies, books, music, TV, sports, or food.
Practise English while talking about daily life.
Cook something together over Zoom.
Visit a library, museum, or local market.
Watch the same show and discuss it later.
Role play useful situations — e.g. visiting a doctor, job interview, or asking for directions.

Key Points — Building the Relationship

Meet regularly (about one hour per week).
Set realistic goals together.
Combine friendship, learning, and practical support.
Keep the experience positive, flexible, and enjoyable.

Building Language Skills and Confidence

Many participants may feel nervous or shy when speaking English. As a buddy, you play a key role in helping them build confidence through friendly and supportive conversations.

Practical Tips

Speak slowly and clearly, using simple words and short sentences.
Avoid idioms, slang, or complex expressions.
Encourage your buddy to speak some English in every session — aim for a 50/50 balance with Spanish.
Always praise effort, not just accuracy. Confidence grows through encouragement.

If your buddy wants corrections:

Let them finish speaking before you provide feedback.
Take short notes, then explain small improvements at the end of the session.
Focus on pronunciation, key vocabulary, and basic grammar.
Avoid interrupting their flow — communication matters more than perfection.

Useful Practice Ideas

Role play real-life situations (e.g. visiting a doctor, shopping, job interviews).
Write out short example dialogues together.
Send WhatsApp messages or voice notes with useful words or corrections.
Review new phrases at the start of each meeting.

Remember: you are not an English teacher. Your role is to create a safe space to practise. Encourage your buddy to join formal English classes whenever possible, you can help them find local options.

English learning resources are also available on the Learn English page of Info Latinos.

Key Points — Building Language Skills

Speak clearly and simply.
Offer gentle corrections at the end, not during conversation.
Practise real-life English through role play and daily topics.
Encourage formal English learning outside your sessions.

Cultural Sensitivity

Cultural awareness is central to being a successful buddy. Everyone’s background, experiences, and values are different, and understanding this helps create trust and respect.

Understanding Cultural Differences

Your buddy may feel uncertain or anxious when first meeting you. They’re adapting to a new language, culture, and lifestyle, often far from home. This adjustment period is called culture shock, it’s completely normal.

Help them feel comfortable by:

Listening carefully and showing genuine interest.
Avoiding assumptions about their past, education, or social background.
Speaking slowly and using Spanish when needed to ease understanding.
Asking open questions about their culture, traditions, or favourite foods.

Respecting Diversity

Your buddy might have a different worldview or set of values, avoid judgement.
They may come from any walk of life: some are professionals, others are students, parents, or newcomers seeking safety.
Some may have faced trauma or hardship. Be sensitive and avoid pressing for details about their personal story.
Focus on the present and future, not past experiences.
Use curiosity and respect to learn from each other’s perspectives.

Good Conversation Starters

Food, music, or festivals from your buddy’s country.
UK customs or events they’ve noticed or enjoyed.
Differences in traditions, family life, or communication styles.

“I feel I have a better understanding of cultural differences and that it’s okay to be in crisis due to the cultural change and to be tired. My conversations with other people help me understand that others go through the situations and to feel accompanied."

Testimonial from a buddy scheme participant

Key Points — Cultural Sensitivity

Never make assumptions about your buddy’s experience or background.
Recognise that culture shock is natural.
Focus on listening and empathy.
Let your buddy decide what to share — avoid intrusive questions.

When Things Go Off Track

Every buddy relationship is unique, and sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned.
Your buddy might miss meetings or respond less often, not because they’re disinterested, but because of work, childcare, health, or stress.

If Communication Becomes Difficult

Try these steps:

Find a regular time that works for both of you.
Send a friendly reminder message the day before your meeting.
Use video calls instead of just voice to build a stronger connection.
Send short texts or voice notes during the week to keep contact.
Occasionally meet in person, if possible.
Be patient, flexibility shows understanding and builds trust.

If your buddy keeps missing meetings or seems disengaged:

Gently ask if the timing still works for them.
Check if your support is meeting their needs or if something has changed.
Let them know it’s okay if they need to pause or step back, this happens sometimes.
If issues persist, contact the Info Latinos team for guidance. They can help with reminders, re-matching, or additional support.

Here, Mari talks about her experience and tips for keeping things on track.

Key Points — When Things Go Off Track

Stay patient and flexible.
Send reminders and short check-ins.
Ask openly what your buddy needs.
Contact the Info Latinos team if problems continue.

Coaching

Using a coaching approach helps your buddy gain confidence, self-awareness, and independence.
Rather than telling them what to do, your role is to ask questions, listen deeply, and help them find their own solutions.

Core Coaching Skills

Build trust and rapport: Create a safe, supportive space for open conversation.
Listen actively: Pay full attention, ask open questions, clarify, and summarise.
Ask, don’t tell: Use open questions to help your buddy explore options.
Give constructive feedback: Share observations that help them reflect and grow.

The GROW Model

You can use the GROW model to guide any coaching conversation:

G – Goal
Agree on the topic or goal for the discussion.
Example: “What would you like to achieve this month?”

R – Reality
Explore their current situation.
Example: “What’s happening now? What challenges are you facing?”

O – Options
Discuss possible solutions or next steps.
Example: “What could you try? What has worked before?”

W – Way Forward
Agree on specific actions and how they’ll move ahead.
Example: “What will you do first? When will you do it?”

Sample Coaching Questions

What’s the main issue you’d like to focus on?
What would you like to achieve in the next few months?
What would success look or feel like for you?
What options do you have right now?
What’s one small step you can take this week?

Key Points — Coaching

Guide, don’t instruct.
Use open questions to promote self-discovery.
Build trust and confidence through active listening.
Use the GROW model to structure conversations.

Supporting Asylum Seekers

Some participants may be seeking asylum or have refugee status.
Their experiences can be complex and emotionally difficult. Your empathy and understanding make a huge difference.

What You Should Know

The asylum process is slow and uncertain, people may wait years for a decision.
They might live in Home Office accommodation, often moving from place to place.
Financial support is minimal, around £39 per week.
Some may be appealing decisions, which can be stressful and exhausting.
After one year, asylum seekers may apply for permission to work (in specific sectors). This must be handled by their lawyer, not by you.

How You Can Help

Be a supportive listener, not a legal adviser.
Encourage English learning and participation in community life.
Share information on free courses, volunteering, and local family activities.
Focus on empowerment and social connection, not casework.

Specialist Charities for Referrals

If your buddy needs professional help or a caseworker, refer them to:

Hackney Migrant Centre – North London
Provides free advice and support to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in North London, including help with immigration, housing, and welfare issues.
South London Refugee Association – South London
Offers practical and emotional support to refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants, helping them access housing, education, health care and legal advice.
British Red Cross – National
A national charity offering emergency support, refugee services, family reunion assistance, and guidance for people settling in the UK.
Salvation Army – National
Provides nationwide social support services, including assistance for homeless people, survivors of trafficking, refugees and individuals in crisis.
LAWRS / LAWA – For Latina women
(Latin American Women’s Rights Service / Latin American Women’s Aid)
Empowers Latin American women in the UK through advocacy, advice, counselling, and refuge for those facing gender-based violence or discrimination.
IRMO – For Spanish and Portuguese speakers
(Indoamerican Refugee and Migrant Organisation)
Supports the Latin American community with English classes, employment advice, integration programmes and legal guidance in Spanish and Portuguese.
Local “Refugee Drop-in Centres” – Search by postcode
Community-based centres across the UK offering free food, clothing, English conversation practice and social support. You can find nearby centres by searching your postcode online.

Discover more organisations in our Organisations Directory

Key Points — Asylum Seekers

The asylum process is challenging and emotionally taxing.
Focus on friendship and emotional support, not legal issues.
Encourage integration, language learning, and connection.
Reach out to the Info Latinos team or specialist charities for further help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to be an expert on refugees or asylum?

No. Your role is to befriend, support, and mentor, not to provide professional advice. Sensitivity and empathy are enough.

Do I have to meet in person?

Not always. You can meet via video calls or phone if travel is difficult. However, occasional in-person meetings can strengthen the connection and make it more enjoyable.

How fluent should my Spanish be?

You need basic conversational Spanish — enough to talk about everyday topics like work, family, or interests.
Don’t worry about being perfect; this is also a great chance to improve your Spanish!

What’s the time commitment?

Around one hour per week for six months.
You can also join optional learning sessions or meet-ups (1–2 hours each month).

What support will I receive?

A welcome orientation at the start of your cohort.
Access to a WhatsApp group for buddies to share ideas.
A one-to-one check-in with the Info Latinos team after your first month.
Access to learning sessions about settling into the UK.

Do I need to live in London?

No. Participants are based across the UK, and many sessions happen online.
Most in-person events are in London, but attendance is optional.

Key Points — FAQs

You don’t need to be an expert; empathy is enough.
One hour per week for six months is the main commitment.
Support and guidance are available throughout.
You can volunteer from anywhere in the UK.

Safeguarding

Please ensure that you put your safety first — when you first meet with your buddy, do so in public places and do not reveal personal details of any kind. Keep your conversations with your buddy as confidential as you can.

If you are worried about any topics that come up, or if something is raised that indicates harm to your buddy or to someone else, please reach out to the Info Latinos team. We encourage all our buddies to take this free online training in safeguarding: Adult Safeguarding Essentials

Use your professional judgement — if something doesn’t feel or sound right, or if you have any concerns, raise it with the Info Latinos team. We can then provide advice or refer the incident to our safeguarding lead (see our safeguarding policy for further information). We have reporting processes for logging incidents, and we can also contact local authority safeguarding teams if necessary.

Please also note that you should not be offering money to your buddies, and they should not be asking you for money either. If this happens, please let us know.

Key Points — Safeguarding

Prioritise safety at all times.
Keep communication professional and confidential.
Report any concerns promptly to the Info Latinos team.
Never exchange money or personal financial details.

Thank You

By volunteering as a Bilingual Buddy, you are helping Latin Americans in the UK feel seen, supported, and empowered to build their new lives.
Your kindness, time, and encouragement make a lasting difference — thank you for being part of the Info Latinos community.

Whether you are new to the United Kingdom, a long-term resident,
or someone interested in supporting the Latin community, this is your space.
We warmly welcome you!

Make a real difference in the lives of Latin Americans in the UK.
Join our team of dedicated volunteers and play an active role in empowering and supporting our community.

Únete a la comunidad

Become a Volunteer

Our Policies

Data protection/Protección de Datos

At Info Latinos we respect any personal data that you share with us or that we obtain from other organizations, and we keep it safe. Our goal is to be clear when we collect your data and we will not do anything with it that you would not reasonably expect. You can contact us at any time to request access to the information we hold about you, correct it, delete it and/or restrict its further processing. You can read our Data Protection policy here.

En Info Latinos respetamos cualquier dato personal que compartas con nosotros o que obtengamos de otras organizaciones, y lo mantenemos seguro. Nuestro objetivo es ser transparentes cuando recolectemos tus datos y no haremos nada con ellos que no esperes razonablemente. Puedes contactarnos en cualquier momento para solicitar acceso a la información que poseemos sobre ti, corregirla, eliminarla y/o restringir su procesamiento posterior. Puedes leer nuestra política de protección de datos aquí.

Safeguarding/Cuidado y protección

Safeguarding is a fundamental part of InfoLatinos' work and this commitment is reflected in the values of our organisation, which inform and support all of our safeguarding activity. You can read our Safeguarding policy here

El cuidado y la protección es parte fundamental del trabajo de InfoLatinos y este compromiso se refleja en los valores de nuestra organización. Aquí puede leer nuestra política de cuidado y protección.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Info Latinos promotes diversity, equality, and a safe environment for all. We empower individuals to protect their own welfare and that of others, ensuring everyone—regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, or belief—can live free from abuse. Our trustees, staff, and volunteers uphold this commitment. You can read our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policy here.

En Info Latinos estamos comprometidos con la promoción de la diversidad, la igualdad y un entorno seguro para todos. Empoderamos a las personas para que protejan su propio bienestar y el de los demás, asegurando que todos—independientemente de su edad, sexo, etnia, discapacidad, sexualidad o creencias—puedan vivir libres de abuso. Este compromiso es respaldado por nuestros directores/fiduciarios, personal y voluntarios. Para leer nuestra Politica aqui.