Prayer for the Refugee Crisis
Heavenly Father, you are the source of all goodness, generosity and love. We thank you for opening the hearts of many to those who are fleeing for their lives. Help us now to open our arms in welcome, and reach out our hands in support. That the desperate may find new hope, and lives torn apart be restored. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son, Our Lord, who fled persecution at His birth and at His last triumphed over death.
Amen
Homes for Ukraine: linking with people in Ukraine and building support networks
Many people across the Diocese of Hereford have generously offered their homes to host people from Ukraine. The diocese has partnered with Citizens UK who have a long track record of supporting communities who welcome refugees.
If you would like to offer to host, and/or would like to be part of a support network then please email us: ukraineinbox@hereford.anglican.org
More information on how you can help is found here
Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Hereford Diocese has a proud history of welcoming and supporting refugees and asylum seekers. We have seen the generous support extended to refugees from Afghanistan, Ukraine and from other countries and the compassion shown by local communities to those in need. While there was hotel accommodation for Asylum Seekers in Herefordshire during 2023-4, a warm response from churches and local communities enabled asylum seekers to feel a sense of welcome and belonging while they lived in the county. Friendships were made between local residents and asylum seekers and refugees from across the world, many of whom became involved with volunteering opportunities and church activities in Hereford Diocese.
Asylum Seekers and refugees in Herefordshire can get help through Herefordshire City of Sanctuary and Leominster Asylum Seeker’s Support facebook page
Community ESOL is available at the Kindle Centre in Hereford and also in Leominster, Ledbury and Ross on Wye Refugee and Community ESOL (herefordshire.gov.uk)
Refugees in Shropshire can get extra help through Shropshire Supports Refugees which can be contacted through their Facebook group.
Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) have been supported by both Shropshire and Herefordshire Councils, through their Looked After Children and Leaving Care services. They come from many different areas of the world, usually where there is war, disruption, persecution etc. When they reach 18 years of age they are supported to apply for refugee status to remain in the UK. Sometimes young people choose to move to other areas of the country where they have friends, connections or wider family and don’t remain long term in the area where they have been cared for.