With our network of over 150 volunteers, we welcome refugees and people seeking asylum across Hertfordshire. 

Herts Welcomes Refugees works in partnership with the Refugee Council and supports their work championing the rights of refugees.
For more information see https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/our-work/championing-the-rights-of-refugees/ ​

Our objectives are to:

Welcome refugees and asylum seekers to Hertfordshire and offer ongoing practical support

Work with local councils and organisations to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers can access appropriate services

Help refugees integrate into their local communities by connecting them with befrienders and community groups

Advocate on behalf of refugees and asylum seekers, engaging with decision makers and raising public awareness

What does Herts Welcomes Refugees do?

Meet the immediate needs of new arrivals in Hertfordshire	​We help provide clothing vouchers, shoes, coats, phone and toiletries to asylum seekers living in hostels. For resettled refugees we may provide furniture and furnishings, a TV set with one year's licence, a mobile phone and in some cases a laptop. We may also provide school uniform, bicycles and bus fares for school.
Provide language support	Our volunteers practise English one-on-one or in group ESOL classes with refugees and asylum seekers. We provide additional support to school children as needed. ​
Well being	Volunteers provide a number of actiivities such as art, sewing or cookery sessions, walks and homework clubs. We work in partnership with other groups which provide specific well-being sessions..
Befriending	Volunteers visit or speak regularly to their refugee partners and asylum seekers, answering their queries and helping them navigate their new surroundings.
Connect refugees with their new communities	​Volunteers arrange social events and outings, link refugees and asylum seekers to local activities such a sports clubs and encourage them to engage in voluntary work.
Financial support	Herts Welcomes Refugees can sometimes provide this in cases of hardship or educational need and can help with accessing assistance from other organisations.
Local agencies	Herts Welcomes Refugees works with the Refugee Council and  Local Council case workers, offering information and support.
Work with other groups​	As a cross-county organisation, Herts Welcomes Refugees can coordinate support to refugees and asylum seekers in different areas of Hertfordshire.
Raise awareness ​	Our volunteers raise awareness of the global refugee crisis and the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers by talks to the public and submissions to statutory and voluntary organisations.