A young girl clings to the neck of her mother. She looks into the camera. The mother is facing away. Other people are walking alongside, away from the camera.

Asylum Seeker Community Development

Helping people who are seeking asylum and strengthening communities.

We work in communities across Surrey to help those seeking asylum to take part in community activities and encourage access to local services and local support.

We network and help other organisations to support asylum seekers in Surrey.

We signpost to other services.

Where possible and depending on availability we can help people access things like free SIM cards to help people stay in touch and (depending on circumstances) things like clothes, toiletries, food boxes, baby care kits and hygiene packs.

The people we help can be profoundly affected by their past experiences and the asylum process adds an additional strain. We work to promote fairness, understanding and work to create a more supportive environment.

We carry out our work in specific areas in Surrey where we know support is needed.

For more information about the project, please contact Alice Sheppard – email [email protected]

A group of people are standing by a table. Some are handing out food from a card box to others.

Volunteer for our Asylum Seeker Project

We are always looking for qualified individuals who can contribute to our projects in a positive way and can volunteer their time and expertise.

We are especially keen to hear from interpreters.

Cultural Awareness Group

The group helps the project consider cultural awareness issues.

Volunteers are given flexibility to use their skills and experience in a way that fits around other commitments. All applicants are invited for an informal discussion to discuss the role and to see if it is what they are looking for. To register your interest as a volunteer please email [email protected]

Man who is an Asylum Seeker

Leatherhead Support Hub: Asylum Seeker Support

Our Leatherhead Support Hub for asylum seekers runs every Thursday during the morning. We can provide information to help people seeking asylum to engage with local support and local services.

Through our partnership with The Mole Valley Employment and Skills Hub we also offer access to free, impartial information and guidance about volunteering and possible employment options, including one-to-one guidance sessions, group workshops and information sessions.

Conversational English Classes are also available to those wanting to access regular face to face English classes.  The Mole Valley Hub also offers a range of Community Learning Opportunities for anyone accessing the Hub.

For further information about the Hub, please email [email protected]

Photo courtesy of the Centre for Homelessness Impact

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