Today we are delighted to introduce Soha, our new volunteer who has already helped with some great graphics to encourage new volunteers and to spread the word about the updated Forced to Flee report.
Here Soha tells us a bit about herself and what motivates her to volunteer:

"I am 22 years old and recently graduated from university, so I've just moved back home. I studied History, Politics and Economics for my Bachelor's, and History and International Relations at Master's level. My family is Pakistani, but I've always been surrounded by people from different cultures and all walks of life. My perspective and experience is that people from other cultures enrich our lives, and are not an intrusion by any means. 
 
I became interested in politics around the same time that the Syrian Refugee Crisis had started, and I started following the work of charities such as Choose Love and the RNLI after finding their advocacy through Instagram. I found the images on the news completely heartbreaking, and my hope for refugees and asylum seekers to be treated humanely really stems from here. 
 
I came across Herts Welcomes Refugees after I moved back home from university. I did a Google search for how to help refugees locally, and got in touch with Annabel, the Volunteer coordinator.
 
I have always been really interested in volunteering with refugees and asylum seekers, but moving back home during such a divisive political climate motivated me to finally get on my feet and try to do my part in helping out. I disagree strongly with the current rhetoric surrounding 'small boats' and asylum seekers.
 
In the current political environment, where discussions around refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants are so tense, I think it is really important that work on the ground remains focused and prioritises the people who are the most in need. When you interact with refugees and asylum seekers, you learn human stories which are so important in helping dispel harmful myths surrounding those who come to the UK from other countries. HWR is doing such crucial work locally, and I really believe that every small act of kindness is hugely important in ensuring the political climate does not fall to hateful and reactionary forces. 
 
If you're thinking of getting involved with HWR, really do get in touch! There are so many ways you can help; I am currently helping with social media remotely, and will also help out with ESOL classes when possible. It is flexible and every little thing really helps. I didn't take the first step for so long, and I am so glad I have now."

Thank you so much Soha! We are so pleased you are taking time to volunteer with us.

Today we hear from new volunteer Martin:

"Hello! My name’s Martin and I signed up with Herts Welcomes Refugees last September. The Bell Hotel in Epping was all over the news and protests were happening up and down the country, and I thought I should do something practical to make a difference.

A quick Google search led me to the HWR website – I was very impressed what they had achieved since 2015 and signed up immediately. Annabel and Veronica were very welcoming and helped me through the introductory process and the necessary on-line courses. Unfortunately I only have one free day a week, so have not yet been as involved as I might have wanted, but the various WhatsApp groups show me how much is going on all over Hertfordshire. The grant from the National Lottery and even more the King’s Award for Voluntary Service have underlined how well-regarded we are and what valuable work we do.
 
Just to give you a bit of background about me and my family: with Jewish ancestry, my Dad and his parents had to flee from Germany in 1939, very much at the last minute. At that time only two countries were prepared to offer them asylum, New Zealand and Venezuela. With hindsight they were lucky to have chosen New Zealand. As an adult Dad settled in the UK, was a priest in the Church of England and was very active in the anti-nuclear, anti-apartheid and human rights movements. He now lives back in New Zealand. His experiences as a refugee child made a great impression on me.

I was born in London, but now live on the Bedfordshire/Hertfordshire border, am married to a brilliant lower school teacher and have two daughters, both currently at uni. I work for the Co-op at their distribution centre and very much admire the values of the co-operative movement, founded in 1844 and still going strong."

Thank you so much Martin, and for raising funds for us by running a marathon.  See our news item and
you can sponsor Martin here: https://gofund.me/f5a30b46b 

We are delighted to introduce Julian Rowland, one of our new Trustees. Here Julian tells us what made him
consider joining Herts Welcomes Refugees, his role and thoughts about how our charity can make a difference.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and your experience and interests?
I grew up in a very politically aware left-wing family where common kitchen table discussions were often about injustice, racism and basic rights for the vulnerable and poor in our society. This is where I acquired my core values which I hope have influenced who I am and what I do as much as possible. After a working life in business, I became involved in the Whitechapel Mission, a charity serving people who are homeless in East London. I was a trustee and ultimately became deputy chair. About 14 years ago I joined the Yarl’s Wood Befrienders charity in Bedford, again as a trustee. When I left, I assisted my wife, Marie-France, who had set up her own charity called Asylum Friends. I enjoy films, music, walking my dogs and cooking.

How did you hear about Herts Welcomes Refugees?
HWR has a high profile in the county among those who work in the field of immigration. Marie-France receives regular newsletters from the charity and this is how I found out that HWR was looking for additional trustees.

What led you to become a Trustee with Herts Welcomes Refugees? Is there a particular motivating factor?
This question really brings us into the heart of the matter. My first introduction to the actual human face of the asylum and immigration world was when Marie-France began visiting women detained in Yarl’s Wood IRC north of Bedford. This brought the grotesque injustice of indefinite asylum detention literally into our home. Vicarious trauma is very real. I have always believed that it is our duty as a community to both welcome and support vulnerable, defenceless and voiceless people seeking asylum having fled from the most horrendous and barbaric situations. They came here after making the simple choice of dying or fleeing, and when they finally arrived here it was nearly always in a truly dire and traumatic state.

My father fled from Vienna before the war and when he finally reached the UK in 1939, he arrived traumatised by what he had lived through as a teenager fighting in the Spanish Civil War and its aftermath in a French concentration camp. But he was not welcomed. Instead, after a few months in the UK, he was arrested, interned and shipped out to Australia as an enemy alien as part of a transport of Jews in the most inhumane conditions. Removing or deporting immigrants is not new to our country, and in view of my father’s story it is very personal to me.

I feel compelled to assist those who are defenceless against a hostile regime willing to repeat this in any way I can. Joining HWR will enable me to contribute in a meaningful way to support those targeted by an indifferent and compassionless public administration.

What will your role as a Trustee involve?
As I’m very new to HWR, my precise role hasn’t yet been determined, but in view of my location I would anticipate some involvement with Stevenage and North Herts plus other as yet undefined areas of our work.

This is a challenging time for refugees and asylum seekers. How do you think Herts Welcomes Refugees can make a difference?
In such a febrile climate, it is more important than ever to show both people seeking asylum and also refugees that Herts Welcomes Refugees is as effective as possible as a counterweight to far-right slogans and fear-mongering, and continues to stand as a beacon of hope for those who we serve. Our charity really shows what is possible, and more, in supporting vulnerable immigrants and representing the best welcome we all know our country is capable of.

What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming involved with Herts Welcomes Refugees?
I would say HWR needs their support to enable us in turn to better support those who really need us. For many, we are their last line of defence against the overwhelming task of trying to understand how the system works and what is needed in order to facilitate their entry into their local community. HWR gives them both practical and emotional support We also give them hope, often when they are at their lowest ebb. I would ask them if they’d like to join us in making a real difference to the lives of recent immigrants and those who have been struggling in their journey for some time.

Thank you to Julian and all our Trustees who work so hard at leading our charity.

Our hotel coordinator Denise sent this lovely message:

"Just to say that it’s been wonderful having three new volunteers at the free shop at the hotel.

​Caroline, Steph and Shirley have risen to the challenge and got stuck in to their volunteer roles straight away. They’ve been a huge asset and we couldn’t have managed to continue our distribution of much needed clothing for new family arrivals at the hotel, without them."

We asked Caroline, Shirley and Steph to tell us a little about why they are volunteering with Herts Welcomes Refugees and this is what they said:

​Caroline:
"I’ve been really disturbed by the rise of racism and division — sadly, it seems to be fashionable again in 2025. I wanted to do more than just show support from behind a keyboard or through donations; I wanted to actually do something tangible to help real people affected by the global migration crisis.

I came across Denise (Hertfordshire’s very own charity guru!) who introduced me to Herts Welcomes Refugees. I’m so pleased to have been approved as a volunteer — it’s challenging but incredibly rewarding. Seeing the smiles on people’s faces when you offer a friendly chat or a few essentials to make life a bit easier is truly heartwarming.

I’ve met wonderful volunteers and some lovely refugees. I’m so glad I joined the team and would thoroughly recommend HWR to anyone thinking of supporting this amazing charity."

Shirley:
"My name is Shirley and I am a single lady aged 73.  I have a close relationship with my two daughters and their families that include my two grandchildren.  

I wanted to get involved with refugees and  asylum seekers following the news coverage that sparked a lot of unrest and hatred towards these people and I can understand how frightening this was for the families and children housed in the hotels.  

I made an enquiry following a post on facebook with a photo of volunteers doing arts and crafts with young children!  This warmed my heart and I decided I wanted to help and support the refugee families.

I have been volunteering for the last two weeks at hotel in the free shop that provides clothes, shoes, toys baby equipment and school uniforms that are donated.  I am part of a friendly team with a team leader.  I have been sorting clothes into ages, male and female etc and hanging them in the correct sections.  

I have tried to help and show the families where certain items are.  I admit it is full on and quite hard work for a four-hour stint. But it is only once a week!  

My family are proud that I am helping in a small way and I am pleased I have impressed my grandson!  I am enjoying my role and I am looking forward to learning how HWR contribute in other ways.  

I am happy that I succeeded in becoming a volunteer for HWR."

Steph:
"Volunteering with HWR is a very moving and rewarding experience. I really enjoy helping families find clothes, toys and books in the donation shop. The joy on their faces when they find something they love is wonderful to see.

The other volunteers are very welcoming and work hard to provide help in many different ways for all the families.

I'm really glad that I can be a small part of something so impactful and important."

Thank you to Caroline, Shirley and Steph.  We are so pleased to have you on board and thank you for all you are doing to help support us, and helping asylum seekers find basic items and feel welcomed here.

And thank you to all those who donate items for the free shop too!

We were delighted to meet volunteer Beth at the drop-in centre and she kindly answered some of our questions about her motivation for volunteering:

You recently graduated from Southampton University with a Masters in Cultural Heritage  and spent a year in Japan as part of your undergraduate degree. Can you tell us a little bit about your background and your different interests? 

I am very passionate about history and education, and have spent the last few years studying this at university. Within this I tried to choose topics that covered a variety of different countries and focussed on social issues and marginalised identities. Now that I have completed my studies I aim to help others to connect with history and heritage, and show that the subject can be relevant and engaging to everybody! During my time at university I also volunteered with a refugee organisation in Southampton, as well as completing an internship with the University’s Sanctuary department, which helps support refugee staff and students. Alongside this I enjoy sports such as kayaking and expressing my creativity through sewing.

How did you hear about Herts Welcomes Refugees?

I found out about Herts Welcomes Refugees as I wanted to research what provisions were available for displaced people in the local area and see how I could get involved.

What led you to volunteer with Herts Welcomes Refugees?  Is there a particular motivating factor? 

During my undergraduate degree I spent a year studying abroad in Kyoto. At first, I found this very stressful as I had very limited knowledge of Japanese and found it difficult to complete government documentation and navigate daily communication. The thought came to me: if I was finding it difficult with all the support and ease I was given, how much harder must it be for displaced people who are met with bureaucratic hoops and social hostility! So, I wanted to do even a little bit to help people to feel more comfortable and confident in the UK. My desire to help support refugees only grew from here as I learned more about the asylum system, the people supported by HWR, and the lives they lead.

What does your volunteering involve?

I often help out at the Tuesday and Friday drop-in sessions. Here, I tend to support English language classes, helping people answer worksheets and facilitate conversations all with the aim of building students’ confidence in English. Occasionally I also assist in the children’s room on busy days, or help signing people in.

What do you find most challenging and most rewarding about the work

I think that the most challenging and rewarding parts of the work are directly connected, as an amazing thing about teaching is seeing improvement! It can be difficult sometimes for complete beginner learners as the communication barrier is intense. Learning can feel very strenuous for the students and so the teachers have to try to keep engagement and enthusiasm going, which can be a struggle. People in the classes tend to try very hard to improve, and it is seeing this determination – regardless whether it leads to improvement – that is most rewarding for me.

What would you say to anyone thinking of volunteering with Herts Welcomes Refugees?

Volunteering with a group like Herts Welcomes Refugees lets you get involved with your local community whilst also welcoming others into it. It is rewarding and eye-opening, and there are many different teams to get involved with. Anyone who’s thinking of volunteering with us has already taken the first step of looking into what’s going on in the local area, and with the support of the other volunteers it is an easy second step into actively getting involved!
​
Thank you Beth, we are so grateful for the time you spend making a difference to refugees at the drop-in centre.

Today we hear about Rozina and her befriender Julia:

Rozina, her husband and two children, aged 4 and 7, came to the UK from Afghanistan and are living in a flat.  Rozina’s English is limited but her husband has a good grasp of the language.  They were allocated Julia as a befriender by Herts Welcomes Refugees to support them as they moved from the hotel to permanent accommodation and to settle into the community.  Julia has been working with the family for about 18 months. 
 
Julia’s main focus is to help Rozina improve her English and she visits most weeks.  While Julia helped enrol Rozina in college to learn beginner’s English, Rozina says she prefers the support from Julia at home.  Julia has also helped with documents that they don’t understand such as those from the council, school and doctors. 
 
During this time Julia has helped support the family with getting the children into a nursery and a school near the family’s home.  When the family first moved to their flat, the oldest child was placed in a school that was too far away to reach on foot.  Because of the distance, the parents were not sending their son to school regularly.  Julia worked with the family, the Education Department at the Council and the child was then moved to another school which was slightly closer to home.  He attended this school for a few weeks and then fortunately a vacancy became available at the local school where he was offered a place.  He has since been awarded a certificate for English by the head teacher at the new school and the youngest child has been awarded a certificate for good attendance.                               
 
The oldest child’s English is very good and he helps his mother with the shopping.  Both parents are very proud of their children. 
 
Rozina says of Julia, “she is very nice and very friendly.  She is a big help with the children.”   She also says “she likes that she and Julia go to the park and go out for coffee”.  

Today we are delighted to hear from our new young volunteer Steph who brings her experience and enthusiasm to working with local asylum seekers at a weekly drop-in session.   We asked Steph about her background and motivation and found her answers truly inspiring!

⁠⁠I know you have recently graduated from Durham Uni with a degree in Geography and are about to start a Masters in Human Rights at the LSE. Can you tell us a little bit about your background and your different interests? 

I have always been interested in politics and human rights, which I thoroughly enjoyed developing through an undergraduate degree in human geography. Throughout my degree, I have been particularly drawn to studying migration and seeking to understand and question the systems that govern it. In my final year, my dissertation focused specifically on sexuality-based asylum claims in the UK, and how the process of seeking asylum in these instances radically altered people’s understanding of their sexuality and how it “should be” performed. I am especially passionate about platforming the experiences of asylum seekers and refugees, as I believe this is a powerful tool in exposing the misinformation and scapegoating that is so prominent today. I hope to dedicate my career to this.
 
How did you hear about Herts Welcomes Refugees?
After returning from uni, I knew I wanted to do some local volunteering during the summer and throughout my Masters to give back to my community. I was particularly looking for opportunities to volunteer among refugees and asylum seekers and lo and behold, a quick Google search introduced me to Herts Welcomes Refugees!
 
What led you to volunteer with Herts Welcomes Refugees?  Is there a particular motivating factor? 
Learning about the UK asylum system and the experiences of refugees throughout my degree and through my dissertation massively contributed to my decision to volunteer with Herts Welcomes Refugees! Every step of the way for people seeking refuge can be immensely difficult, dangerous and traumatic – from the decision to leave the place you call home, to finding yourself in a strange new place, simultaneously navigating the desire to start a new life, and being denied autonomy by the government. I wanted to help in any way that I could to improve the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers and show that they are welcome and valued in our community, contrary to popular right-wing narratives in the media.
 
What does your volunteering involve?
I attend a weekly drop-in session at my local hotel alongside other volunteers, welcoming new arrivals, introducing them to our charity and making them aware of activities and classes in the hotel that they can attend.  We also provide advice and support where possible – this could be help to understand letters from the Home Office, signposting to specialist organisations, or helping with applications for college and university. It is really varied! I have only been volunteering for a few weeks, but already I have been able to see the outcomes of the support I have helped to provide and build bonds with residents.
 
What do you find most challenging and most rewarding about the work? 
I think the most challenging thing is the environment. Hotels are a hostile architecture for temporary accommodation; their locations can be isolating, residents have limited freedom to cook, explore, and socialise, and the “temporary” nature of these places makes it difficult for some to feel secure. While HWR does everything it can to make these spaces more welcoming and enjoyable, it is challenging to see how being in this accommodation limits people. In a similar vein, what I find most rewarding is seeing residents enjoy taking part in activities together, forming friendships and feeling empowered. Seeing the positive impacts of HWR’s work is so inspiring and is my favourite part of volunteering!
 
What would you say to anyone thinking of volunteering with Herts Welcomes Refugees?
Just go for it! There are so many different areas and roles to be involved in, and so volunteering can be flexible around other commitments. The volunteers are so welcoming, kind, and knowledgeable, and it is truly an amazing charity to be a part of. Volunteering with refugees and asylum seekers is so rewarding and is an important way to contribute to the local community!

​We were excited to hear that our new volunteer Simon has started music sessions at one of the hotels for asylum seekers.  So we asked him some questions and were delighted to hear about Simon's background, his reasons for volunteering, his reflections on the first music session and what he would say to potential volunteers:

HS: I see from your website that you are a University lecturer in English Literature and poetry writing as well as a musician and a poet, with a PhD in sonic poetics! Can you tell us a little bit about your background and your different interests? 

SP: Yes of course. I have played and made music since I was 5. I have played music for years in London, and collaborate with many beautiful humans, release music, play live. Poetry came later: as I kid I listened to tapes my mother and father bought for me; one of my favourite memories of ‘techno’ as not only a music, but a way of life, was the function on our tape cassette machine that, when switched, would mean side 2 of the cassette would be played straight after side 1. This created for me and in me a concept of eternal music, of the sound of infinities. In one of my current roles, I teach a university poetry course online, one for which I recently re-wrote the new course, which has been delightful. It’s been 6 years teaching that, so I have by now taught a few hundred adult poets who come from all over the world. I am fortunate to do so. I have published my poetry, but these days I put everything I am into my music. I made the term ‘Sonic Poetics’ to describe a way of thinking about how sound is presented in poetry, and for how we listen in life, and for how we might attune our inner ears in ways that know no borders. For 20 years, on and off, I have taught English as a Foreign Language, so I assisted in some classes being taught at the hotel, and the quality of teaching was just excellent. At the moment, as there are several excellent teachers of English at the hotel, I was encouraged to start the music sessions. Thank you one and all so far.    
 
HS: What led you to volunteer with Herts Welcomes Refugees?  Is there a particular motivating factor? 

SP: I am motivated to be self-aware about any fortunate circumstance in which I find myself. And so, I came back to the UK last summer after a holiday in Greece, the moment when hate crimes spiked. In order to respond, I took affirmative action to help, in any way I could, my contemporaries, those humans who have come to the UK. I searched for the nearest refugee volunteer charity to where I am currently living, and made contact. I was born in Ireland, my mother is Irish, and my English father spent his 20’s living with my mother in Ireland. And so, I too am a colonial subject. I believe in the right for human beings to move around the world. I believe in the human right of safety and to seek and find safety. These are some of the most basic things that do exist and must exist: like quietness, or a cloud. I will do what I can and when I can to be of use to those who are moving, or have moved, to the UK. I am motivated because I am a citizen of the world. I am motivated because I believe in more love, not less: and I wish my Other all the safety, happiness and joy in which to live. In socio-economic terms, until only this Spring, I have spent my entire adult life on zero hours contracts. So I know a bit about precarity, and about precarious living, something that effects millions now living. I refuse to let precarity harm those who I might be able to help, even if I just do a bit, with music and fun. There are so many people in London alone who devote their entire lives to affirmative charitable action. My partner is one who works for a charity: I am in awe of their work; I am grateful every day that I know them. As my own work hours are changeable, it’s about my going with the changes and being of use when it is possible.    
 
HS: This week you ran your first music session with asylum seeker children at the hotel and I hear it went very well. Some of the young people have been in the hotel for a long time and I am sure they really appreciated the freedom of being able to express themselves through music. How did the young people respond and what effect do you think being able to participate had on them?

SP: This is a very beautiful thing to read, thank you so much! I had no idea how long some of the young people have been staying in the hotel. I am delighted I could bring them instruments with which they could express themselves. At this stage, we still don’t really know what music is nor where it comes from: but we know that music is our energy! The young people were energetic: they were all eager to play; some were shy and benefitted from encouragement, some too shy and if they come again they are always welcome to play anything I have. Last night I saw: a 5-year-old boy with a heavy downstroke talent for a clear tone on the guitar; his sister who danced and liked the ‘bird’ painting on my guitar; an exceptional flautist who can read music (something I cannot do since I just play by ear!); children organising their own singing to songs they like. The parents were supportive and open. The session inspired me: when I left, I was beaming. I mean, this is just the same as an Irish family party!
 
HS: What are you planning for future sessions?    
 
SP: For next time I would like to try two things: firstly, a mix between karaoke and a ‘listening session’: I’m bringing a loud speaker so everyone there can play their favourite songs, and then maybe people might like to sing them.  Secondly, one of my students at the session told me his favourites: The Eagles and Pink Floyd. So, I have invited my father to play a set next time: he is a gifted guitarist, proficient in classical, blues, Flamenco. My own guitar style is a bit more made up, as everyone saw when I played a tune of my own. I call what I play ‘Blood Music’.  

HS: What would you say to anyone thinking of volunteering with Herts Welcomes Refugees?

SP: Come and offer what you can, when you can. It will augment your ideas of what constitutes ‘home’, ‘life’, ‘family’, ‘work’. Volunteering can fulfil your wellbeing in ways that paid work cannot. I am consistently amazed at the levels of care and inspiration in the volunteers: everyone has been so welcoming to me, and they are committed, organised, open, pro-active, generous. The volunteers inspire me. About working with refugees in Hertfordshire, I must say: it is my honour.

Thank you Simon for giving your time and talent so generously, we are sure the sessions will light up the lives of those living in the hotel in difficult circumstances.

At our AGM we were delighted to show this pre-recorded video of Steph talking about bringing her professional experience of monitoring and evaluating projects to demonstrate impact to her work with Herts Welcomes Refugees. Click on the photo to watch the video:

We were delighted to have volunteer and ESOL teacher Sue interview our volunteer Henry at the AGM.  Sue started by giving two definitions of the term volunteer:
"Work for an organisation for free” / "Doing something to benefit others”

Sue said these were true but bland and that hearing from Henry would show that there is so much more to volunteering than these 2 definitions.
She also quoted:  “Volunteering is at the core of being human. No-one has made it through life without someone's help.”  (Heather French Henry)

She said that talking to Henry would show the impact of volunteering. He has skills and talents, and also a young family and full time job.

Henry said that he became involved with HWR as he was helping his daughter look for volunteering roles for her Duke of Edinburgh Award; he thought "why not me too?" as he works from home and has time.  The aims and values of HWR resonated with him, from the belief that we're all just products of environment and circumstance, and many in the world end up with significantly worse life chances and quality of life simply because of where and when they were born.

He was interested in teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) as that felt like something he could do by joining HWR and contributing something.
After many months of watching and learning, and supporting classes, an extra class was set up. Paulina Clarke was brought in to teach, but could only do alternate weeks for a while so she suggested Henry could cover the alternate weeks.
Henry found it daunting at first, but he did have a little bit of experience (albeit from 20 years earlier) and went with the theory  that it was good to push yourself outside your comfort zone. He has been been taking classes on and off as secondary or cover ever since and enjoys it immensely.

When Sue asked about the challenges and rewards, Henry said that the main challenge was putting together lesson content that is worthwhile and useful, as it's important to him that the students have gained and learned something from the lesson.
The rewards are being around students who are so polite, positive, enthusiastic and thankful, despite the circumstances they find themselves in. He finds this inspiring, and feels privileged to be involved.

Sue concluded by saying that the benefits of volunteering are not only what we give, but also people we have met, and growth & development in ourselves.
She ended with two more quotations: “Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world -  it's the only thing that ever has " (Margaret Mead)
and finally:  “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do!"  (Steve Jobs)
​
Thank you so much Sue and Henry for these inspiring words which show how much impact volunteering can have on those who are helped and on the volunteers themselves.