Practical information for Latin Americans in the UK
Volunteer Applications
Thank you for your interest in joining our volunteer programme.
Applications will reopen in February 2025, coinciding with the start of the next cohort.
Check back with us so you don’t miss the opportunity!
Info Latino volunteers
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.
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.