LINKnet Mentoring Ltd is an organisation dedicated to supporting minority ethnic communities across Edinburgh, the Lothians, the Scottish Borders, and Fife. Our vision is to enhance the representation of minority ethnic individuals, including refugees and asylum seekers, in further and higher education, employment, and public and civic life in Scotland, through mentoring, befriending, and other complementary programmes.
Befriending Programme
LINKnet’s Befriending Programme is part of our “No More Isolation, No More Tears” (NINT) initiative. It helps ethnic minority individuals reduce isolation, improve language skills, and integrate into Scottish society.
In the programme, Befrienders and Befriendees are paired and meet or talk online for 1 to 1.5 hours once a week, for a minimum of three months, up to six months. The support given to Befriendees also helps Befrienders grow personally, creating mutual benefits for both.
Becoming a Befriendee
Anyone from a minority ethnic group can become a Befriendee if they want to use LINKnet’s services for support, such as improving English, learning about education and job opportunities, or simply having someone to talk to.
Becoming a Befriender
Anyone from any community who wants to volunteer and support ethnic minority individuals can become a Befriender. This role helps people develop their skills, build confidence, and provide companionship. The Befriender’s role depends on the needs of the Befriendee.
LINKnet’s staff will provide support to Befrienders throughout the process.
All of our services are free of charge.
Please get in touch with us for more information.