It has been an exceptionally challenging year for those trapped in the asylum system. The already limited rights and protections for people seeking asylum were under attack. Beyond the laws and policies, the rhetoric around asylum and migration was designed to sow division, fear and hate. The detrimental impact of all of this on the people seeking sanctuary we have the privilege to work with was significant. In the midst of it all, though, there were still signs of hope. We bear witness to the incredible strength and resilience of so many sanctuary-seekers; and to the gestures of compassion and welcome and the commitment to campaigning for change that we see in wider society.

While many remain trapped in limbo, we celebrated with those who, in some cases after many years, were finally granted leave to remain. Stories of Hope and Home is ‘home’ to an ever-increasing community of people. United by their common experience of seeking asylum in the UK, they are, in every other way, a very diverse group of people with different ages and genders, different cultures and backgrounds, different skills and personalities, and different aspirations and dreams for the future. Close-knit and mutually supportive, many participants describe Stories of Hope and Home as their family, But having all experienced what it means to be outsiders, they remain welcoming and hospitable to newcomers and the continued growth of the project stands as testament to this.

Quotes from our participants demonstrate just how important our work is:

"Stories of Hope and Home is a lovely family where we treat each other with love, kindness and respect."

“It is where I find strength for not giving up.”

"Stories of Hope and Home is my second home"

“This project helps us to to share our story and counter negative narrative in the public domain about refugee and asylum seekers.”

“We can help them realise that more asylum seekers are not here because they want to but for their protection”

We know our work remains more necessary than ever. Every donation will make a difference - thank you!