Scope of services
HostNation is an introductory service putting socially isolated asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in need of friendship, in contact with local, volunteer befrienders offering friendship.
We aim to create interactions between two different populations (UK residents and those seeking refuge) who have problems intersecting, but we cannot recommend anyone on the site to you. This is an altruistic, social arrangement, not a contractual obligation and there is no payment, nor are volunteer befrienders expected to provide any professional services.
We try to manage the expectations of refugees referred to HostNation and help them to understand that befrienders commit to meeting their befriendee socially once every week or two weeks over a period of 3 months. We will also explain that befrienders are not social workers, case workers or legal experts and cannot help with the progress of asylum claims or housing applications, but may be able to help their befriendee to access expert support should it be needed. For information on the role of the befriender please read the Befrienders' Guide.
HostNation is not responsible for verifying the accuracy of information given by befrienders or referrers. We will do what we can to ensure a successful match but cannot guarantee that friendship will emerge. We are not making recommendations or any representations about the suitability or appropriateness of any relationship that arises either directly or indirectly through the use of the website.
Whilst we will help to arrange the first meeting, HostNation cannot take responsibility for managing the continuing relationship between befriender and befriendee. Support after the initial meeting is limited; further meetings are arranged directly between befriender and befriendee. HostNation will check on the status of the relationship at 1, 2 and 3 months. During the three months, befrienders can contact HostNation with any queries or concerns and we will do our best to respond as quickly as we can, but we are unable to provide a full support service.
Exclusion of liability
As HostNation is an introductory service, we do not accept responsibility for any relationships formed as a result of using our website. To that end, please note that we hereby exclude all and any losses, liabilities, claims, damages, expenses or costs (whether as a consequence of our negligence or otherwise) arising directly or indirectly in connection with any content on or provided through the website (including any relationship which is initiated by or results from use of the website). New volunteers should contact us for information regarding our liability insurance for active befrienders.