HRH the Countess of Wessex
visits Somerset Refugee Charity

Taunton based charity CHARIS Refugees welcomed HRH The Countess of Wessex to their newly opened welcome centre at the CHARIS Rooms, Hammet Street, Taunton on Wednesday 9th November, where she spent almost two hours meeting refugees and asylum seekers who have found sanctuary in Somerset and the Southwest.

The charity was formed in 2016 in response to the Middle East refugee crisis when millions of people fled the war in Syria. They continue to help settle refugees in Somerset and the wider region through the UK Government’s Community Sponsorship Scheme.

During her visit the Countess spoke in depth with individuals and families from many nations about the circumstances that forced them to leave their homes, and what their lives are like now in the UK.

CHARIS provides many services for refugees and asylum seekers including English lessons, help with benefits, employment and accessing education, the opportunity to learn new skills, and various activities and other support to help them integrate and settle in the local community.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in conjunction with Somerset County Council, CHARIS has managed the creation of six Welcome Hubs across Somerset to support Ukrainian guests and their hosts as well as refugees and asylum seekers from other nations.

Gordon East, the CEO of CHARIS Refugees said, “We are honoured that The Countess visited us and showed such interest in the refugees and asylum seekers we serve. Her knowledge and passion for the issues were very evident as she talked.”

Her Royal Highness was accompanied by the newly appointed Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Mr Mohammed Sadiq, who took over the role on 1st November from Mrs Annie Maw after her eight years of service.

“The visit from Her Royal Highness and The Lord Lieutenant was a great encouragement to us,” said Dave Mann, Communications Director at CHARIS Refugees. “We have exciting plans to help more people who’ve fled war and persecution to settle in this beautiful part of the land.”