This page is about SWVG’s training for volunteers. Training is organised by the Training Group.
There are three stages to the training programme as follows:
1. SWVG-Initial-Training-V8.0 to be worked through independently (last revised February 2025)
This should take about two hours and a half
2. One-to-one induction
This is a conversation with an experienced SWVG volunteer or member of the training team. It will be conducted in person where possible or on zoom, or by phone. The induction volunteer will discuss the Powerpoint presentation with you and will work with you to find out how best you might get involved in SWVG as a new volunteer.
3. Training Day
This is an in-person event on a Saturday lasting all day. We run these three times a year.
Duration 8 hours
Aim of Training To enable participants to:
-
- understand the needs of people seeking asylum
- develop an awareness of the legal system for people seeking asylum and support systems in the UK
- understand the roles of befrienders/visitors; teachers and desk support
- understand the importance of the SWVG support systems for SWVG volunteers (especially for those in direct contact with people seeking asylum)
- transfer the skills of communication, listening and assertiveness to those of different cultural groups
Structure
- Legal system and asylum support system
- Experience of a person seeking asylum
- Experience of a befriender/visitor
- Experience of being a teacher
- Health and wellbeing
- Introduction to support groups
- Communication and Assertiveness skills
- Listening skills
- Introduction to resources
Materials
- Look Beyond Borders – 4 Minutes Experiment video illustrating the power of eye contact and body language
If you’d like to apply to be trained as a volunteer, please fill in the SWVG Volunteer Application Form.