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.
You can learn more about our Ukraine Support project including ways to support people.
Refugees and Asylum Seekers
As Christians we are called to welcome the stranger. We have a long history in our diocese 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. 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 and persecution. 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.