​We support this statement from Together with Refugees:

"We stand with all those targeted in these hateful  attacks, many of whom came to the UK having already fled violence and persecution.
 
Solidarity with all local communities & their countless acts of resistance, bravery, and support.
 
Love will always triumph over hate."
 
From our daily work with asylum seekers and refugees we know that each person has their own story of persecution, wants to contribute to society and educate their children.
​
The type of behaviour we have been witnessing does not represent us, is not in our name and should be condemned by all. 

We were pleased to read this update from the Refugee Council, detailing four significant changes to refugee policy made by the Government in the last few weeks:

1. On his first full day as Prime Minister, Keir Starmer announced the end of the Rwanda Plan.
2. On 23 July, the Government announced it would stop using the Bibby Stockholm barge and other unsuitable accommodation for people seeking asylum.
3. On the following day, the Government confirmed that they will process the claims of those arriving since March 2023, who have been left in limbo by the Illegal Migration Act.
4. And today's announcement, which means Afghan families will now have a way to be safely together again.

The Refugee Council has a template letter at this link so you can write to your MP to show your support.

​Congratulations!  Volunteer Kate tells us “Wafaa and Samer passed their B1 Language Test last week. They are very happy! We've been preparing for some time and I'm delighted to say that he passed with Distinction and she with Merit. They gave me a lovely family lunch today to celebrate!”
If you would like to help a refugee with their English please get in touch at [email protected]

A great example of partnership working to help refugees into education and employment. 
 
Volunteer Alison reports “Over 50 people of 22 nationalities attended, with a 60%/40% split between asylum seekers and refugees came to our Education Fair today. 7 invited organisations  included West Herts College; Community Action Dacorum; South Hill Centre, Steps2Skills; Herts Services for Young People; Employability for Overseas Nationals Programme and the DENS employment team.
 
The stall holders, including Herts Welcomes Refugees, had stands to promote a huge range of ESOL courses, other training, employment advice and wellbeing activities. 
 
Several organisations spoke to between 20 and 50 people, so that's hundreds of conversations that led to at least 60 sign-ups and bookings plus dozens of ideas and flyers for people to follow up on.
 
It was an event with lots of positive energy and much appreciated by all.” 
 






Here are just a few of the positive comments from the organisations that attended. 
​

• "It was a great event, and we were happy to be there."
•  " The atmosphere was positive, and everyone seemed to have a purpose at the event."
•  "It was noticeable to me how people were relaxed, comfortable and smiling. It was a good environment for families to engage."
•  " It was well planned and friendly. I had lots of visitors, both in groups and individually."
•  "It was a buzzing atmosphere."
•  "I was impressed by the interaction I had with HWR volunteers."
• "Please keep us in the loop if you are doing similar events in the future! We'd love to come along."

 
Volunteer Jane says “None of this could happen without the Church who welcome us every week, our amazing childcare team and ALL our volunteers.  Whether you were there last Friday or one of the well-wishers, you'll know that this kind of success is the result of all our work, the relationships we build and the support we give week in, week out.” 

We are delighted that works by four of the artists featured at ​https://www.hertswelcomes.org.uk/refugee-week--artists-work are on display/for sale at the St Albans Art Society exhibition, which you can visit from today until Saturday at Upper Dagnall Street Baptist Church Hall, open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm.  You can see here the busy private view along with the artists' work and  Shervin next to his striking paintings about refuge and welcome.

Such lovely feedback on this event! Volunteer Veronica reports:
 
"On 3 July, Hitchin Quakers invited us to give a public presentation about our work as part of the Hitchin Festival.

The evening started with the short film that North Herts Council commissioned for  the North Herts Hero award.

I then gave a brief overview of our work and how it has changed over the years as new challenges have arisen.

The main part of the evening was hearing from three refugees who are now living locally, speaking about their challenges and achievements as they have made a life here. This was followed by some lively questions.

​Afterwards we enjoyed refreshments including Syrian dishes and there were further opportunities for people to speak to the refugees and also to admire the artwork from the ‘Visions of Home’ display in St Albans. 
 
We were delighted to receive over £100 in donations."

Here is some of the feedback we received afterwards:
 
“It has really inspired me to want to get more involved and it looks as though there is plenty of work to do, going forward.”
 
“Yesterday evening was a huge success and very moving. The achievements and determination of the three that spoke and their families are truly amazing. Am so impressed by all that you and all the volunteers do.”
 
“I really enjoyed yesterday evening’s event. It was so good to see people who are clearly thriving after escaping such difficult situations in their home countries. They are all so very brave, articulate and inspiring.”
 
“I really enjoyed the whole evening and thought it was a very positive experience for speakers, audience and HWR.” 
 
“Brilliant evening! Such moving accounts- especially from the Afghan refugee.”
 
This is so inspiring.  Thank you to everyone who organised the event.  If you would like to volunteer please get in touch with [email protected] – we would love to hear from you!
And to make a donation to support our work please donate here: ​https://www.hertswelcomes.org.uk/donate.html 

We welcome the new government and will be in touch with our Hertfordshire MPs in the coming weeks.

We stand with the refugee groups who have written to Keir Starmer with a blueprint for an overhaul to the asylum system:
​www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/jul/08/human-rights-groups-give-starmer-blueprint-for-asylum-overhaul

In particular we welcome the Refugee Council's report Asylum: Day One challenges for the next government and the UNHCR Recommendations to the New Government.

Here's hoping for a more humane, workable system for the asylum seekers and refugees we support and welcome.

Take a look at these video clips showcasing our Refugee Week Visions of Home display at the St Albans Museum. You can view the whole digital display at Refugee Week 2024