About the Project
Sesame Organisation (formerly known as EVR) provides mental health services for people of East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) heritage (including mixed heritage) in the UK. University students with these heritages who come to the UK from abroad often say they feel lost, lonely, or isolated. This can be due to the “culture shock” and not knowing how to behave in certain social situations. Experiences of racism, hate and isolation can have a negative impact on their mental health. In turn, these experiences also lead to difficulties in integrating within UK society.
Sometimes, all it takes is a friendly face to help a person find their feet. Could that be you?
How to Get Involved
About the Project: Our Befriending Project aims to pair students of ESEA heritage ("befriendees") with volunteers ("befrienders") who have been in the UK for a while and who are able to offer their time. This is a great opportunity for Befrienders to learn more about various ESEA cultures, gain a friend and support their well-being. You do NOT need to be from ESEA heritage(s) to be a Befriender - we encourage anyone to apply.
This project will kick off in October 2025, when new students arrive, and pairs will be made on a staggered basis until February 2026. You must be able to commit to meet with your friend at least once a fortnight for the first three months. After that, it’s up to you and your new student friend to decide if or how often you keep in touch.
How to Get Involved (continued): To become a volunteer Befriender you need to meet the criteria below and fill out this form. We will invite you to a 60 minutes Zoom training session which will take place in September. You will also need pass a basic DBS check (funded by Sesame Organisation). After that, you will be ready to befriend. Sesame staff will be in touch to pair you with your friend soon after.
Please note: We will ask for an ID at a later stage as standard safeguarding practice.
End Violence And Racism (EVR)
An anti-racist mental health service provider, providing free, culturally competent, trauma-informed mental health support (e.g. therapy, community events) to East and South East Asian individuals in the UK.
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