Supporting Refugees During Challenging Times

Hello,

I wanted to write and let you know how COVID-19 is affecting our work.

This is a challenging moment for us all but together we will come through it. I want to let you know about the different ways we are adapting to the pandemic.

Staying in touch with participants

One of our primary concerns is that participants do not become isolated at this time. As you will see below, our usual activities have been suspended or significantly altered to prevent the spread of the virus, but **we are using WhatsApp to stay in touch with participants**. We are using this system to send regular encouragements, short videos from staff and volunteers, online English classes on Zoom, craft activities, health advice and more.

Activities

We have suspended all activities at our base Overdale House (English classes, meals, social activities, English through the Bible, women's coffee morning, Red Cross drop-in). We have also suspended Firm Foundations (English for families, creative play sessions). We are hoping that WhatsApp will be a way of continuing elements of these activities virtually, and we will be continually reviewing how we can stay connected to people. **We are now running English classes, women’s coffee morning and Firm Foundations over Zoom.**

Welcome Boxes and mentoring

We are still taking Welcome Box referrals but are only offering phone support. Likewise, mentoring is by phone and video call. We believe it is vital that newly-arrived asylum seekers and more established refugees are not cut off, especially at this time.

Host Derby

We are closed to new referrals for now but we are still supporting the three guests we currently have in Host Derby. We will regularly review the situation alongside hosts and partner organisations.

The Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS) is being delivered remotely, using phone and video support.

Finally, the baby shower that was due to take place at the end of the month has been cancelled but last week, an amazing team of volunteers delivered baby clothes, toys, nappies and more to the homes of new and expectant mums.

There has never been a more important moment to help strangers become neighbours. We just have to rethink the way we do it.

Stay safe,

Andrew Jackson – Chief Executive

P.S. We are letting all our supporters know about an initiative called the 2.6 Challenge, a nationwide campaign to support the UK charity sector through virtual fundraising activities. We’d love as many people as possible to get behind this campaign. If you feel like you’d like the opportunity to support us further, you can do so in the following ways: