Delighted that the voices of refugees we support have been included in an excellent article in the St Albans Times by Laura Bill. 
​You may read it at issuu.com/stalbanstimes/docs/st_albans_times_issue_122/20

This week we would like to thank all our fantastic volunteers, without whom we would not be able to do our work supporting refugees and asylum seekers around the County.  

Look out for our social media posts all week.  

We asked our volunteers to sum up in three words what volunteering for Herts Welcomes Refugees means to them, and the word cloud below shows this visually:

Are you active on social media?  You can help us spread the word about what we do and amplify the voices of refugees.

There are a few ways you can help:

We have a new YouTube channel so you can hear directly from refugees and our volunteers: 
please subscribe  at https://www.youtube.com/@HertsWelcomesRefugees

Are you on LinkedIn?   If you have a LinkedIn account please follow the HWR page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/herts-welcomes-refugees and consider mentioning in your profile that you volunteer with us.  It is a great way to raise awareness and recruit new volunteers.

Apart from our x, facebook and instagram accounts, you can also find us on threads and BlueSky.   

Do follow us and engage with our posts, it all helps to increase understanding of our work and the situation facing refugees in Hertfordshire.

​Thank you as ever for all your support!  

​

A short video of our AGM, thanks to all the speakers for speaking so eloquently and the chefs for making such delicious food. It was a heart warming event!

Our volunteer Sue sent this wonderful photo and feedback from some of the refugees who attended our AGM last week:

'Bringing these delightful people to the AGM on Wednesday was a privilege.
 
After the AGM, on the way back to their accommodation in the car, there was such a vibe of positivity and hopefulness which was truly infectious!
 
These amazing people sent the following to show the positive impact the evening had on each one of them.
 
Johanna and Emiliano
“The AGM 2025 was a wonderful evening. The food was delicious and it was great to see the staff gathered in support of such an important cause.
For my wife and me, it was also a special opportunity to meet with others with similar backgrounds who are walking different paths. We were truly inspired by their stories.  In uncertain times, when anxiety can easily take over, it’s important to be patient and focus on doing things the right way – to place ourselves where opportunities can find us.  Re-starting life in a new country, with a different language and culture, is undoubtedly challenging. But every person at HWR has supported us – not only through classes or documents but by showing us that we are welcomed, not rejected, in this new society.”
 
Moussa
"The evening was amazing! I’m really enjoying meeting with different people, a lot of food and drinks. I listened to all the voices. HWR is a wonderful community – have also wonderful people with a big heart who help everyone. I am very happy for this meeting."
 
Ahmad
“I would like to thank HWR for that wonderful evening from which I learned the following;
A person should be patient and have goals to strive for, no matter the circumstances.
What you plant today, you will harvest tomorrow.”
 
From my perspective, I feel proud and humbled to be a small part of something which has such a powerful impact on people seeking refuge of which I feel sure, will have longevity in their lives.'  ​

​Wow! A fascinating AGM last night. Many thanks to ⁦‪⁦‪our Patron, the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire⁩ for opening the evening where we were privileged to hear from inspiring refugees and volunteers. Thank you so much to everyone who took part; we had 113 attendees: 65 members - of which 58 are volunteers, 
27 refugees and asylum seekers and 20 people from external agencies. More to follow in the coming days....

We are delighted to let you know that, following the success of the Echoes of Blossom exhibition, we are supporting two more refugee artists, Ghazal and Shervin who are exhibiting at Trestle Arts Base.  Their exhibition is called Patterns of Nature and you can read more about it here:  ​https://www.trestle.org.uk/whats-on/2025/4/10/patterns-of-nature-an-exhibition-by-young-artists-from-iran

​Can you spare two hours a week to help refugees at a Refugee Council Community Hub?
We would love to hear from you - do contact [email protected]
​For full details see below:

We are pleased to let you know that we have a new YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@HertsWelcomesRefugees

We will add to these but have two playlists with media appearances and some videos featuring our wonderful volunteers which we will add to over time.

​Do subscribe and check these out!