Volunteer Now! Hopeworks
'We Are HopeWorks
At the heart of who we are is a simple belief: every person matters. Every story is worth hearing, every life is worth honouring, and every individual has a place in the community.
At HopeWorks, we believe that things can change, even when circumstances say otherwise. Every act of kindness, each decision to stand alongside someone, and each moment of faith in a better tomorrow are the building blocks of change.
For over 30 years, we have walked with people who have faced homelessness, exclusion, or trauma, yet continue to show remarkable resilience.
HopeWorks exists to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people who come to us, rebuilding, restoring, and reimagining together. Hope works because we do it together.
Our Refugee & Migrant Service
Our Refugee & Migrant Service comprises two teams that provide holistic support to families resettled in the UK. These families have come from countries affected by conflict and are here because it is no longer safe or possible for them to remain where they were. HopeWorks helps people build a new life in the UK. Find out more here.
Our Casework Team supports clients with practical matters such as registering with a GP, applying for school places, liaising with landlords, managing finances, and improving employability.
Our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Team provides trauma-informed ESOL lessons for supported families. We also provide wrap-around support, including transport to our locations and a crèche for those attending classes.
We are currently recruiting Volunteer Befrienders to complement the work of the Refugee & Migrant Service by providing social support to settled refugee families across central and southern Bedfordshire.
We are seeking local residents from Leighton Buzzard, Houghton Regis, Toddington, Biggleswade, and surrounding areas to help families integrate into their local communities.
You will meet regularly with your designated family, typically once a week, in a variety of settings, such as their home, a coffee shop, or a local library.
Your role may involve accompanying families on shopping trips, introducing them to local parks and amenities, and spending time together in a social and supportive capacity.
We are looking for compassionate individuals with excellent listening skills and a positive outlook. You will need to demonstrate empathy, a genuine interest in the lives of refugee families, and an understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding. You must also be willing to work collaboratively with HopeWorks.
We seek to empower our families at all times, not to create dependency.
Access to your own transport is essential. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.
For more information and an application form, please visit our website at https://hopeworksuk.org or contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Olivia O'Donoghue, at Olivia.ODonoghue@hopeworksuk.org '
“Every day at HopeWorks reminds me what’s possible. Our clients challenge us, inspire us, and teach us. It’s a privilege to stand alongside this team, making a real impact.”
Kirstie Cook, CEO
