The Hope Service is an NHS mental health team. We support refugees, asylum seekers and people resettled from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Syria who, as a result of their traumatic experiences, have developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  

In addition to therapy, we offer group wellbeing activities more generally for men, women and families seeking asylum, such as walking groups. Our service users are often extremely isolated, and these activities provide them with an opportunity to spend time outdoors and connect with others, which benefits their physical and mental health.  

Why we need your help 

This year we want to build on and expand the wellbeing activities we offer. We’d like to start offering yoga sessions, which can really help with recovery from trauma. We’d also like to establish a Memorial Woodland, where the people we support can grieve the many losses they have experienced in their lives.  

Unfortunately, NHS resources don’t stretch to being able to offer this support.  

​So we're asking for your help. We’d like to raise £2000 and need your support.

What your support will do 

All donations made will help us provide activities that improve wellbeing for the refugees and asylum seekers we support. Many of the people we support come to this country carrying significant trauma and loss, and these activities allow them respite from the difficulties they are experiencing, in a space that builds community and belonging.

Your support will directly help us fund:

• The creation of a Memorial Woodland: Refugees and asylum seekers have often experienced tremendous loss. A Memorial Woodland would provide a symbolic space for people
  to start to grieve these many losses.

• Equipment for Yoga Sessions: Yoga can help recover from trauma and start to heal mind and body. We would like to work with local specialist practitioners to offer yoga sessions to people we support.

• Trainers and shoes: Walking and being in outdoor green space
  benefits the physical and mental health of our service users. Many people only have the shoes or sandals they arrived to the UK in and need footwear to be outdoors.  

We would be extremely grateful for your support - for further information please contact awp.HopeServiceTeam@nhs.net