Churches Together in Bishop’s Stortford are working with the charity Herts Welcomes Refugees (HWR) to set up a network of Hospitality Support Groups across the town. All people of goodwill, with kind and generous hearts, are invited to join. You do not need to have a religious faith, or belong to a church, mosque or temple – just a desire to help. The purpose of the groups is to provide support to the refugees and to their Hosts. The Hosts are the kind people who will be giving accommodation to the refugees.
When the refugees arrive in the UK they will be traumatised and bewildered. They will need a tremendous amount of support. They will need help with registering with GPs, with opening bank bccounts, with finding school places for their children with accessing Language classes and much more. It is not reasonable to expect the Hosts to manage all these tasks on their own – they will need help and support. The Hosts will also need to be able to be in touch with other Hosts and with the community – for mutual benefit and also for safeguarding.
Refugees will wish to meet with other refugees for comfort and encouragement. The local churches can help with this by making their halls/premises available for gatherings, for providing communal meals, language classes, soothing craft activities, etc. – all assisted /staffed by the volunteers from the Support Groups. There will be much for everyone to do.
It is marvellous that so many people have offered to be Hosts to the refugees from Ukraine, but they will need support and help. If you would like to be part of this Hospitality Support, please contact:
Mione Goldspink
Bishop’s Stortford Co-ordinator for HWR
Member of Churches Together in Bishop’s Stortford
Email: mionegoldspink@hotmail.com