Work with asylum seekers
We are currently involved in supporting a group of female asylum seekers in shared accommodation. We also assist those who are granted ‘permission to stay in the UK’ and want to remain in the area, helping them to become independent. Here are some examples of the ways we have been able to help:
- Sourcing practical items for day-to-day living
- Finding volunteering opportunities in the community
- Signposting to English classes like International Welcome
- Connecting with support services such as Asylum Welcome
- Occasional lifts
- Social events
- Support after getting Leave to Remain, such as job and house hunting
International Welcome
In partnership with Christ Church Abingdon we offer International Welcome, a friendly weekly English conversation class with a qualified teacher, volunteers to support, and cake! Many nationalities are represented and we all learn together. It takes place in The Barn, Christ Church, Northcourt Road, Abingdon, OX14 1PL on Fridays, 1-2.30pm in term-time. For the latest dates, see our International Welcome page, or email .
My wife and I are truly grateful for International Welcome at Christ Church Barn in Northcourt Rd, Abingdon. It has become a special place for us—a welcoming space where we can improve our English, connect with kind people from around the world, and feel part of a caring community. The warm hospitality, along with the tea, coffee, cakes, and fruit, make every visit a joy. We would like to sincerely thank the wonderful team for their kindness, generosity, and the heart they put into making this group a place of friendship and support. Thank you for everything!
Two of our Afghan students at International Welcome
Refugees in the Community
We support families locally from Eritrea, Afghanistan and Syria, to name a few. Support might be practical or involve linking with other agencies. It’s wonderful to see people finding work and it’s great to see children settling into school. The first refugees we were involved with are now British Citizens – it means so much to them. Many are now helping other refugees to settle.
One of our local Syrian families, now proud to become British Citizens, with the Representative of the King who very warmly welcomed them. Mum is now a Host Abingdon Volunteer.
A Room in the Community
Through our Sanctuary Fund (and in partnership with St Ethelwold’s House & Sanctuary Hosting) we provide a room for short-term stays for a destitute asylum seeker or refugee.
Past Programmes
In response to the Syrian Resettlement Scheme, during 2017-2020 we worked in partnership with the Red Cross to support local Syrian families. We helped them with English Language and with accessing local services vital to rebuilding their lives here.
In October 2021 Amal was welcomed in Oxford.
Between 2022 and 2024 we coordinated Abingdon’s response to the Homes for Ukraine programme, welcoming and connecting over 40 Hosts and 70 Ukrainians in the area. We stay connected to this vibrant refugee community.
When I arrived in Abingdon, I was at an absolute loss, without knowledge of English, without family, clothes and familiar things. It’s good that the volunteers of Host Abingdon quickly set about helping Ukrainians to make it easier for us to adapt. Supportive events, clear organisation, and English classes with native speakers were all necessary at that time. The volunteers managed to create a warm and spiritual space where we could communicate, support each other, and learn the necessary information. I bow low to you for your work and service to those in need. May God help you to continue doing good and useful things!
Yulia, Ukrainian guest