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Feedback from refugees we support |
We were delighted to receive this thank you message from a family we were able to help with vouchers for school uniforms:
Our volunteer Alison emailed out supermarket vouchers to families who recently received Leave to Remain but are struggling - here are some lovely messages:
"I don't know how to thank you or how to express my gratitude. You are the epitome of humanity. I have never met people like you in my life. I don't know how to repay your efforts. You have gone to so much trouble for me, and I appreciate your hard work. I have never seen such kindness and good character."
"Wow thank you very much I appreciate ❤️ am very happy"
"Thank you so much for your kindness"
"I don't know how to thank you or how to express my gratitude. You are the epitome of humanity. I have never met people like you in my life. I don't know how to repay your efforts. You have gone to so much trouble for me, and I appreciate your hard work. I have never seen such kindness and good character."
"Wow thank you very much I appreciate ❤️ am very happy"
"Thank you so much for your kindness"
We received some lovely thank you messages from asylum seekers who received Christmas gifts lovingly assembled by our volunteers:
"Thanks for making her day beautiful, she was very happy and surprised"
HWR recently helped a disabled mum and her children move into a council property after more than 2 years living in a room in a hotel housing asylum seekers – with help also from Furniture Friends in Datchworth, Herts Social Services coordinating the move with the local Council Housing team and many kind donations from HWR, volunteers and others. And a special thanks to two local Councillors who came to visit and, beyond the call of duty, ended up (unasked) plumbing in the washing machine. “Thank you everyone!”
The first morning in their new home mum was able to have her first shower in TWO years: “Did I say I had a shower? Yes, Yes! I HAD A SHOWER!! My carer had to switch it off as they were running late for their next client. I didn’t want it to stop.”
“We slept very well. The boys loved their bunk beds and said they had not had a good sleep in years. Thanks for helping with shopping. The boys had Frosties this morning – they don’t usually eat [breakfast at hotel before school] and they sorted themselves.”
Her daughter was able to cook a meal for the family for the first time in ages. “She made a chicken stew and rice – which was so special”.
More recently, we helped mum organise a surprise family birthday party for her daughter when she got back late from College; they had not been able to celebrate family birthdays since claiming asylum. “Thanks for making her day beautiful, she was very happy and surprised.”
Now living independently for the first time and trying to navigate the many complexities of renting, setting up home and managing her disability and children, she sent this to one of her HWR friends who was worried about the many texts and suggestions she was sending: “I love I have you to direct me to the right part. Most of the things I don’t know about, but you put me through how to go about them, I am more than blessed and grateful I have you.”
Volunteer Karen adds “Getting Leave to Remain and leaving the hotel is only the start of the long journey for this family but we are grateful to everyone who has helped and our volunteers remain in touch.”
The first morning in their new home mum was able to have her first shower in TWO years: “Did I say I had a shower? Yes, Yes! I HAD A SHOWER!! My carer had to switch it off as they were running late for their next client. I didn’t want it to stop.”
“We slept very well. The boys loved their bunk beds and said they had not had a good sleep in years. Thanks for helping with shopping. The boys had Frosties this morning – they don’t usually eat [breakfast at hotel before school] and they sorted themselves.”
Her daughter was able to cook a meal for the family for the first time in ages. “She made a chicken stew and rice – which was so special”.
More recently, we helped mum organise a surprise family birthday party for her daughter when she got back late from College; they had not been able to celebrate family birthdays since claiming asylum. “Thanks for making her day beautiful, she was very happy and surprised.”
Now living independently for the first time and trying to navigate the many complexities of renting, setting up home and managing her disability and children, she sent this to one of her HWR friends who was worried about the many texts and suggestions she was sending: “I love I have you to direct me to the right part. Most of the things I don’t know about, but you put me through how to go about them, I am more than blessed and grateful I have you.”
Volunteer Karen adds “Getting Leave to Remain and leaving the hotel is only the start of the long journey for this family but we are grateful to everyone who has helped and our volunteers remain in touch.”
"You have strengthened the very fabric of our Hertfordshire community"
We were delighted to receive these congratulations on receiving the King's Award for Voluntary Service from refugee Zubair:
"It is with immense admiration that I congratulate Herts Welcomes Refugees on receiving The King's Award for Voluntary Service 2025.
This highest honour a voluntary group can receive is a testament to the profound impact your organization has made. Through your tireless efforts, compassion, and dedication, you have not only provided critical support and sanctuary to those in need but have also strengthened the very fabric of our Hertfordshire community, fostering a culture of welcome and inclusion.
This award rightfully celebrates the incredible hard work of every volunteer and supporter. You have set a gold standard for community service, and we are truly inspired by your achievements.
We wish you every success as you continue your indispensable work and look forward to seeing your positive influence grow in the years to come.
With sincere congratulations from me and my family."
"It is with immense admiration that I congratulate Herts Welcomes Refugees on receiving The King's Award for Voluntary Service 2025.
This highest honour a voluntary group can receive is a testament to the profound impact your organization has made. Through your tireless efforts, compassion, and dedication, you have not only provided critical support and sanctuary to those in need but have also strengthened the very fabric of our Hertfordshire community, fostering a culture of welcome and inclusion.
This award rightfully celebrates the incredible hard work of every volunteer and supporter. You have set a gold standard for community service, and we are truly inspired by your achievements.
We wish you every success as you continue your indispensable work and look forward to seeing your positive influence grow in the years to come.
With sincere congratulations from me and my family."
"You made a huge difference in my life"
We received good news from a refugee we were supporting. He is a qualified engineer and has been working with engineering companies in a different part of the country. He writes:
"I am so grateful to you and everyone at the charity for all your support, encouragement, and kindness. You made a huge difference in my life when I first arrived in the UK, and I always remember your generosity and care.
Thank you again for everything, and I hope that you and all the members of the charity are doing well. Your work is truly inspiring, and I feel so blessed to have met such wonderful people."
However, he does go on to say:
"On the other hand, every day there are some unpleasant news from the Home Office regarding asylum seekers which could affect the citizenship process."
We are very concerned about the Government's proposals and are coordinating a response.
"I am so grateful to you and everyone at the charity for all your support, encouragement, and kindness. You made a huge difference in my life when I first arrived in the UK, and I always remember your generosity and care.
Thank you again for everything, and I hope that you and all the members of the charity are doing well. Your work is truly inspiring, and I feel so blessed to have met such wonderful people."
However, he does go on to say:
"On the other hand, every day there are some unpleasant news from the Home Office regarding asylum seekers which could affect the citizenship process."
We are very concerned about the Government's proposals and are coordinating a response.
"Thank you for all the amazing work you do"
We were delighted to receive this news from J, a young asylum seeker. J was helped with her studies by our volunteer Alex and was also involved in the Schools of Sanctuary process at Fearnhill School.
J writes:
“I would like to thank you for all your support and willingness to help. It has meant a lot to us, especially in such a vulnerable situation.
I am excited to share with you that my family and I have been granted Refugee Status, and we can now move forward and start building our life in this country.
I would also like you to mention that Alex has been such a source of motivation and kindness.
When I first started school, I struggled with the language and my studies, but his patience and encouragement helped me to keep going and believe in myself.
Thank you again for all the amazing work you and Herts Welcomes Refugees do. It really makes a difference.”
Well done to you and we wish you and your family all the very best as you start your new life here.
J writes:
“I would like to thank you for all your support and willingness to help. It has meant a lot to us, especially in such a vulnerable situation.
I am excited to share with you that my family and I have been granted Refugee Status, and we can now move forward and start building our life in this country.
I would also like you to mention that Alex has been such a source of motivation and kindness.
When I first started school, I struggled with the language and my studies, but his patience and encouragement helped me to keep going and believe in myself.
Thank you again for all the amazing work you and Herts Welcomes Refugees do. It really makes a difference.”
Well done to you and we wish you and your family all the very best as you start your new life here.
"I am happy that you did not abandon me"
“I gave birth to a girl, and she and I are fine. I would like to thank you and everyone who works at the centre for standing with me and preparing the baby in all aspects. I am happy that you did not abandon me during my birth by helping me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. We named her Diana after the Princess of Britain because of our love for you and the beautiful actions you took for us. I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart because my country did not contain me or care for me.”
We were moved to receive this thank you from a family who arrived recently with 3 little children, and another baby on the way. Our volunteers collected some modest clothing for the mum from HAWA, as well as a baby basket from Alternatives Watford.
Our support started as soon as the family arrived; Mum and dad came straight to English lessons from Day 1, even though they had so much to cope with.
Our volunteer Sue took the parents on the school induction tour for the older children, and apparently all their eyes were as wide as saucers!
We then received this lovely message:
“Thank you for helping us register the children in school. If you only knew how happy they are to go to school, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my children happy.”
"This laptop will be a great help for continuing my education"
“I’m truly grateful for the laptop HWR and the Rotary Club have provided.
It brought so much happiness and hope to me for the future. Your kindness and positive energy mean a lot.
I’ve applied to University for September and am waiting for a response. This laptop will be a great help for continuing my education—hopefully for a Master’s and maybe even a PhD—and also for applying to job positions.”
We received this lovely thank you from a refugee here with her 2 children.
She is applying to university to do a PhD and her children will be starting at a local school in September. When they first came to the UK, they went to the library every day so she could study.
Volunteer Joyce writes: “She is so driven and trying to instill a hard working ethic into her two children as well and help them to dream big in the future.”
It brought so much happiness and hope to me for the future. Your kindness and positive energy mean a lot.
I’ve applied to University for September and am waiting for a response. This laptop will be a great help for continuing my education—hopefully for a Master’s and maybe even a PhD—and also for applying to job positions.”
We received this lovely thank you from a refugee here with her 2 children.
She is applying to university to do a PhD and her children will be starting at a local school in September. When they first came to the UK, they went to the library every day so she could study.
Volunteer Joyce writes: “She is so driven and trying to instill a hard working ethic into her two children as well and help them to dream big in the future.”
"Thank you all for making a difference in our life."
We are delighted at the achievements of a young asylum seeker, who has worked so hard at college. His motivation is such a credit to himself and his family whilst living in such uncertain times.
His father sent his college certificates, writing:
“I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude to you and the Herts Welcomes Refugees charity for the invaluable support you provided to my son. Your assistance enabled him to join North Hertfordshire College, where he has excelled academically. He achieved the prestigious title of Level 2 Group B Best Student of the Year 2024/25 and consistently performed well in all assessments throughout his course.
Your dedication to helping refugee families like mine is truly inspiring. By providing practical support and connecting us with the community, you've made a significant difference in our lives. Your efforts have not only empowered my son to pursue his education but also given us hope and a sense of belonging.
On behalf of my family, I would like to extend our sincerest appreciation for your kindness and commitment. Your work with Herts Welcomes Refugees is a beacon of compassion and generosity, and we feel fortunate to have benefited from your services.
Thank you for being a source of support and guidance. We look forward to continuing our journey with your charity. Thank you all for making a difference in our life.”
His father sent his college certificates, writing:
“I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude to you and the Herts Welcomes Refugees charity for the invaluable support you provided to my son. Your assistance enabled him to join North Hertfordshire College, where he has excelled academically. He achieved the prestigious title of Level 2 Group B Best Student of the Year 2024/25 and consistently performed well in all assessments throughout his course.
Your dedication to helping refugee families like mine is truly inspiring. By providing practical support and connecting us with the community, you've made a significant difference in our lives. Your efforts have not only empowered my son to pursue his education but also given us hope and a sense of belonging.
On behalf of my family, I would like to extend our sincerest appreciation for your kindness and commitment. Your work with Herts Welcomes Refugees is a beacon of compassion and generosity, and we feel fortunate to have benefited from your services.
Thank you for being a source of support and guidance. We look forward to continuing our journey with your charity. Thank you all for making a difference in our life.”
"Thank you so much for being there and making a difference"
We were so pleased to receive this lovely thank from a family who were moved to another area after being at a local hotel for 2 ½ years, waiting for their asylum claim to be heard. We wish them all the very best.
Feedback from refugees at the AGM
Violet said this at the AGM: "Being helped by Herts Welcomes Refugees was like having three mums! Denise, Carolyn and Pam did so much, it's hard to put into words. They took care of me and were there for everything."
And this from JK: " Since arriving in Hertfordshire, Herts Welcomes Refugee has played a crucial and significant role in helping me feel welcomed and supported."
It is lovely to hear this from those we have supported who are now giving back by volunteering with us.
And this from JK: " Since arriving in Hertfordshire, Herts Welcomes Refugee has played a crucial and significant role in helping me feel welcomed and supported."
It is lovely to hear this from those we have supported who are now giving back by volunteering with us.
These messages were thank yous for furniture and white goods delivered to refugees who had nothing.
More lovely thanks, we don't do it for these but wonderful that all the hard work of our volunteers does seem to make a difference:
Thank yous from refugees we support
Today we received this wonderful thank you from an asylum seeker who has exciting news:
Going swimmingly! Volunteer Christy writes: “Lovely card from one of the children at the hotel. Managed to get her school swimming lessons approved to be funded by pupil premium and just dropped her off some swimwear 😊“ Small things like these make such a difference.
Lovely to receive these messages from asylum seekers at a local hotel when they received festive parcels, and thanks to all the volunteers who worked so hard to make refugees in Hertfordshire feel welcome over the Christmas break.
Look what happened when Kbrom turned over the canvas of his gift to us, a brilliant painting of Old Gorhambury! We were so touched to read his words of thanks:
"Your support is the foundation of our dreams." We never fail to be inspired by the resourcefulness, talent and resilience of the refugees we support.
"Your support is the foundation of our dreams." We never fail to be inspired by the resourcefulness, talent and resilience of the refugees we support.
“As an undergraduate I was badly in need of a lap top to continue my studies. But unfortunately, we are not in a position to own a laptop at this moment. Without a laptop it is extremely difficult to continue the studies as very often we have to attend online lectures; also the preparation and the submission of the assignment all done through online. Thanks to Herts Welcomes Refugees for providing me a laptop. Now I can continue the studies without any obstacles. Also, the laptop provided for me is helpful to engage myself in self-studies. Once again, I would like to express my heartiest gratitude for Herts Welcomes Refugees for the support that they extended in this regard.”
Lovely thanks from this asylum seeker currently studying on a Sanctuary Scholarship. Thanks to Stevenage Community Trust for providing a grant for emergency travel costs to university and a contribution towards a laptop, which we were able to top up with our own funds.
Lovely thanks from this asylum seeker currently studying on a Sanctuary Scholarship. Thanks to Stevenage Community Trust for providing a grant for emergency travel costs to university and a contribution towards a laptop, which we were able to top up with our own funds.
It is always so lovely to hear news of how well the families of asylum seekers we support are doing.
We heard today that this man's daughter is starting her studies at King's College London on a Sanctuary Scholarship.
Wishing her all the very best for her course.
We heard today that this man's daughter is starting her studies at King's College London on a Sanctuary Scholarship.
Wishing her all the very best for her course.
thank you from father whose daughter has a Sanctuary Scholarship
"You understood our needs and helped us communicate better and resolve things quickly."
This couple who cannot hear or speak send thanks to volunteer Joyce who supported them and their two sons, who speak English and Hindi, along with British and Hindi sign language to help their parents:
This couple who cannot hear or speak send thanks to volunteer Joyce who supported them and their two sons, who speak English and Hindi, along with British and Hindi sign language to help their parents:
We don't do it for the thanks but it is always lovely to receive acknowledgement of our support - these messages were sent to Area Convenor Joyce who passed them on to the whole team at a local hotel:
We thanked talented artist Shervin, who we feature here, for donating a beautiful painting to raise funds for Herts Welcomes Refugees, and here is his lovely reply:
This beautiful note is a tribute to the lady who wrote it, and the volunteers who supported her:
We were so pleased to receive this lovely note from one of the asylum seekers we have supported at a local hotel:
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Watch this short video about Samer from Syria who talks about our work. Samer features in a short film made by North Herts Council when Veronica was given a Local Hero award in the Caring category.
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We run weekly drop-ins including English classes for asylum seekers. Watch this slide show to see some of the lovely comments received after an English language assessment:
Our Christmas gifts at one of the hotels resulted in these heart warming thank you notes:
Here are some more thank you messages from asylum seekers in hotels. We are always so moved by their adaptability and resilience.
We always love receiving feedback from people we have helped but it is often hard to say goodbye when asylum seekers write to us because they are being moved to a different part of the country, often at very short notice.
We love this feedback from refugee partners who attend the lunch club run by Area Convenor Kate, pictured here. Kate tells us:
"Twice a month we are very lucky to be able to have lunch in a lovely Church Hall. Volunteers and refugees come, often bringing delicious food contributions. We chat, we get to know each other, and often we play simple round the table games, so we can speak to everyone (in English!), talk a little about ourselves, and laugh together. These lunches are a chance for some of our refugees to have a rare break away from home - and laughing together can be very helpful and relaxing."
In our Warm Welcome Fundraising Appeal we heard from Arash (not his real name.) Now Arash and family are likely to be moving on, Herts Welcomes Refugees volunteers received this lovely message:
"Dear Joyce, I wanted to share an update with you - we have received our eviction notice, and our departure is scheduled for the 15th of December. Unfortunately, there's a possibility that we might be relocated to another city.
I wanted to take a moment to express how fortunate and happy I am to have met you, Anne, and Pete. Your kindness and the support provided by your organisation have been a tremendous help during this challenging time. Your assistance has meant a lot to us, and I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to you and your team.
The uncertainties surrounding our relocation are daunting, but knowing that we have people like you to lean on makes a significant difference. Your compassion and dedication to helping others are truly commendable.
Once again, thank you for being a beacon of support for my family. We are grateful for the friendship and assistance you've extended to us."
We wish this lovely family all the very best for the future and are pleased that we could have helped in a small way.
"Dear Joyce, I wanted to share an update with you - we have received our eviction notice, and our departure is scheduled for the 15th of December. Unfortunately, there's a possibility that we might be relocated to another city.
I wanted to take a moment to express how fortunate and happy I am to have met you, Anne, and Pete. Your kindness and the support provided by your organisation have been a tremendous help during this challenging time. Your assistance has meant a lot to us, and I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to you and your team.
The uncertainties surrounding our relocation are daunting, but knowing that we have people like you to lean on makes a significant difference. Your compassion and dedication to helping others are truly commendable.
Once again, thank you for being a beacon of support for my family. We are grateful for the friendship and assistance you've extended to us."
We wish this lovely family all the very best for the future and are pleased that we could have helped in a small way.
"When I arrived, I had nothing but my clothes and a small doll for my child." We received this heart-rending account from an asylum seeker, known as E:
"I have a small family consisting of a child and my husband. Life forced me to leave everything I owned. To leave my hobbies that I cherished and was happy with in our country. I came last year on December 15, 2022 to this country, and before this date I had left my country and fled with my family empty-handed.
Life chose the United Kingdom as a home for my small family. Upon our arrival we were left at the airport on a dark winter's night. Due to fear and cold, I was very desperate, but I was pretending to be strong for the sake of my family.
They sent us the next morning on 16/12/2022 to the Home Office. Then they sent us to the Hotel. When I arrived, I had nothing but my clothes and a small doll for my child.
Fortunately for us, they told us that a charitable organization comes every Tuesday and Wednesday and this organization can help us with anything we may need.
I waited for them, and when I saw them for the first time and saw the smile and welcome, I cried from my heart because I saw how much they loved to do good deeds even though they did not know us.
Every time, I thank my Lord because in the harshest moments of life, He sent us this institution and they listen to all our needs and meet what they can do.
Sometimes a little help means life for those who have been disappointed in the estrangement and harshness of life."
"I have a small family consisting of a child and my husband. Life forced me to leave everything I owned. To leave my hobbies that I cherished and was happy with in our country. I came last year on December 15, 2022 to this country, and before this date I had left my country and fled with my family empty-handed.
Life chose the United Kingdom as a home for my small family. Upon our arrival we were left at the airport on a dark winter's night. Due to fear and cold, I was very desperate, but I was pretending to be strong for the sake of my family.
They sent us the next morning on 16/12/2022 to the Home Office. Then they sent us to the Hotel. When I arrived, I had nothing but my clothes and a small doll for my child.
Fortunately for us, they told us that a charitable organization comes every Tuesday and Wednesday and this organization can help us with anything we may need.
I waited for them, and when I saw them for the first time and saw the smile and welcome, I cried from my heart because I saw how much they loved to do good deeds even though they did not know us.
Every time, I thank my Lord because in the harshest moments of life, He sent us this institution and they listen to all our needs and meet what they can do.
Sometimes a little help means life for those who have been disappointed in the estrangement and harshness of life."
Today we hear from E from Albania who has been in the UK since May 2022. She lives in one of the hotels with her daughter who is 13 months old.
She tells us about the difficulties she has encountered but also speaks touchingly about the help she has received from Herts Welcomes Refugees:
"I know that every asylum seeker is having a difficult time but we feel better when we have good people around us."
She tells us about the difficulties she has encountered but also speaks touchingly about the help she has received from Herts Welcomes Refugees:
"I know that every asylum seeker is having a difficult time but we feel better when we have good people around us."
It is always lovely to receive feedback from our refugee partners. Here we spoke to Marcus, who is from Eritrea.
We asked Marcus to tell us a little bit about himself, and how Herts Welcomes Refugees has helped him. You can listen to the interview here.
How wonderful to hear how he describes the volunteers who support him: "They're like friends, they're like family.'"
We asked Marcus to tell us a little bit about himself, and how Herts Welcomes Refugees has helped him. You can listen to the interview here.
How wonderful to hear how he describes the volunteers who support him: "They're like friends, they're like family.'"
Our Area Convenor Karen was so moved to receive this from one of the families: ‘We want to express our most sincere gratitude for the support you have given us, your help has been essential to get through our current situation, and we cannot find words to express how much it means to us.’
