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!