Home from home at Christmas

Christmas is seen as a time of giving and goodwill, and here at BIRCH we are launching a seasonal appeal to help those whose plight, in so many ways, echoes the Christmas story itself: people fleeing persecution and poverty.

For many, having made their hazardous way to the UK for refuge and safety, they can find themselves marginalised in a land that, sadly, may seem a far cry from the haven they’d hoped for.

There’s the ‘hostile environment’ of anti-immigration legislation, and this summer’s riots where many asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants feared for their very lives. As one said poignantly at the time: ‘Why do they hate us?’

At BIRCH, we attempt to provide an antidote to such animosity, and the precarious existence many sanctuary seekers experience. We do this through ‘community hospitality’ in the shape of practical, emotional and social support, along with vital advocacy and advice.

In all, in the last year, that meant over 400 sanctuary seekers were helped through the services of BIRCH. This included support hubs in hotels, a group for young refugees, befriending, local families hosting refugees, English classes, and wellbeing activities, which highlights another aim of BIRCH: social integration, so that people seeking sanctuary here feel welcome and are able to make the UK their home and, indeed, contribute to wider society.

To assist us in our work, we are asking if you’d be willing to make a donation, no matter how small. When many of those we help have no recourse to public funds, or exist on a paltry £8.86 a week, you can see how desperate their situation is.

With our Christmas appeal, we hope to raise £2000 to provide essential items and continue our support. Your donation will help pay for:

- essential items, such as school uniforms, educational equipment, and travel passes, which are crucial in allowing them to access necessary facilities, as well as enabling them to overcome the chronic isolation they may experience

- advocacy and casework support, providing key support in accessing services and ensuring peoples entitlements are being met

- community support and youth hubs, offering welcome, emotional support and a sense of belonging

Through your generosity, you can help show this country’s compassionate face by extending the hand of humanity to people who have already endured so much in their lives. And, as we have seen from their feedback on the work of BIRCH, you will, as a result, be assured of their undying gratitude.

Thank you

Read more about our work here and visit our Christmas shop!