Overview
About the Organisation 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?
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
To become a volunteer Befriender you need to meet the criteria below and fill out the form below. We will invite you to a 60 minutes Zoom training session which will take place in August. 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.
Safeguarding and Commitment
We empower East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) communities in the UK through mental health services, and offer training and education for all to tackle racism and promote equity.
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