Volunteer being sought to greet asylum seekers and others

A ‘MEET and Greet’ volunteer is being sought by Loughborough Town of Sanctuary.

It offers a ‘meet and greet’ service to asylum seekers and others who have to attend the East Midlands UK Border Agency Reporting and Enforcement Centre in Loughborough.

A spokesperson said: “We provide a welcome, information, and vouchers for a cafe for people.

“We work in pairs outside The East Midlands Home Office Reporting Enforcement Centre in the centre of Loughborough.

“We currently run two shifts of 1.5 hours each from 9.30am-11am and 11am-12.30pm Monday to Thursday. Some people volunteer weekly and some just occasionally.

“New volunteers observe for a while until they feel confident. We hold bi-monthly meetings for our volunteers. Up to 200 people a day, mostly asylum seekers and refugees, have to attend the Reporting Centre.

“We offer a friendly face, information about where they can get help and advice, and the opportunity to get something to eat and drink in John Storer House cafe.

“We have no physical base, so anything else we offer has to be portable. In the winter we take hats, scarves and gloves, and, in the school holidays, small gifts for children.

“In the background we undertake fund-raising and publicity events to fund our activities and to try to promote more positive attitudes regarding asylum seekers and refugees.”

To register your interest visit https://bit. ly/3f2kWkM