Volunteer Research Assistant - Bulgarian Speaking

Role Overview Europia is looking for a Bulgarian-speaking volunteer to support a research project exploring the digital wellbeing and experiences of Eastern European migrants in the UK. The project is being delivered in partnership with researchers at the University of Liverpool. The project centres on a Digital Wellbeing Toolkit designed to support people with online information, misinformation and digital confidence. We want to introduce the toolkit to Bulgarian-speaking community members, including Roma communities, and hear their views on how understandable, useful and relevant it is to their everyday lives. You will lead one or two friendly, accessible focus group sessions in Bulgarian, presenting the Digital Wellbeing Toolkit to community members, guiding discussion and gathering feedback on their understanding of the information. You will work alongside Europia staff to help us reach the community and support a friendly, accessible focus group. You do not need previous research experience. What the Role Will Involve Help spread the word about the project and invite Bulgarian-speaking residents to take part. Explain the purpose of the sessions and the Digital Wellbeing Toolkit to community members in clear, accessible Bulgarian. Help plan, organise and lead one or two in-person focus groups with Bulgarian-speaking participants. Welcome participants, introduce the session and create a relaxed environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing. Present the Digital Wellbeing Toolkit in Bulgarian and guide participants through its main information, examples and practical advice. Facilitate discussion, encourage questions and explore what participants have understood from the toolkit. Gather and record participants' feedback on the toolkit's clarity, accessibility, relevance and usefulness, following guidance from Europia and the research team. Respect participants' confidentiality and follow Europia's safeguarding, data protection and professional boundaries procedures. Communicate information clearly, accurately and sensitively. Comply with Europia’s Data Protection Policy and keep personal and sensitive information private. Follow Europia’s safeguarding, data protection and professional boundaries procedures. When To be confirmed once Volunteer is recruited. Each session will last around two hours . Preparation and outreach can be arranged flexibly; the focus group will require some in-person availability. Exact days, times and the number of hours will be agreed with the volunteer. Where Activities will take place in Eccles, Salford. The exact venue for the focus group will be confirmed in advance. Some preparation may be done flexibly. Skills and Experience We are looking for someone who: Speaks Bulgarian and English and can communicate clearly in both languages. Is friendly, patient, respectful and approachable. Has good listening and communication skills. Is comfortable speaking with people from different backgrounds. Is interested in community engagement, research or supporting migrant communities. Can handle personal information sensitively and confidentially. Is reliable and willing to work as part of a team. Previous research, interpreting or volunteering experience would be helpful but is not essential. Guidance will be provided. Previous volunteering, community work, health and wellbeing, advice, advocacy or digital support experience would be helpful, but it is not essential. Training and Support Volunteers will receive: An induction before starting. Safeguarding training. Training on professional boundaries. Clear guidance about their role and responsibilities. Guidance on local health and community services. Guidance on signposting and when to refer issues to Europia staff. Structured supervision and support from Europia staff. A Disclosure and Barring Service check. This keeps the training section closely aligned with the structure of your existing advert. Benefits Use your Bulgarian language skills to support local communities. Gain practical experience in community engagement and research support. Develop communication, interpretation and facilitation skills. Learn about a collaborative project involving Europia and university researchers. Build experience that may be useful for future employment, study or volunteering. Meet new people and help shape practical resources for Eastern European communities. Develop experience in signposting and helping people navigate services. Receive regular support and supervision. Support Central and Eastern European communities in Salford. Receive agreed volunteer expenses. Gain experience that may support future employment, training or volunteering opportunities.