Welcome Hubs.

CHARIS, in association with Somerset County Council, has established Welcome Hubs for refugees, asylum seekers and their sponsors across Somerset.

Aims of the Welcome Hubs

1. Assist and empower refugees, asylum seekers and Ukrainian guests to become independent and integrate into their local, and wider, communities

2. Enable refugees, asylum seekers and Ukrainian guests to access both statutory and community services in their local communities

3. Support the sponsors through their relationship with their guests

4. Provide a pathway for local volunteers and community groups to support and befriend displaced people in Somerset

Welcome Hub Locations

Mobile Welcome Hubs

Informal Hubs

Welcome Hubs Programme Manager

Alex Melbourne
CHARIS Refugees
16/17 Hammet Street
Taunton
TA1 1RZ

AlexMelbourne@charisrefugees.org
07719 747 485

SCC Resettlement Workers

Taunton and West Somerset
Alison Forshaw
Ghizlane Mokni

South Somerset
Sarah Berry

Mendip
Naomi Frost

Sedgemoor
Alison Forshaw
Ghizlane Mokni

To contact resettlement workers, please email homesforukraine@somerset.gov.uk

The hubs provide a variety of services, depending on the particular needs in each location.

These may include:

• A welcome area and information point.

• A safe space for a chat and a tea or coffee.

• Signposting to relevant local services, organisations, statutory bodies, events and activities.

• Working with the job centre to provide access support and guidance on benefits.

• Helping people prepare a CV and look for employment or voluntary opportunities.

• Social events and activities.

• Art and craft classes.

• Help with budgeting, setting up a bank account and understanding how financial systems work in the UK.

• Working with the NHS and other health providers to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

• Providing support to sponsors and communities with their guests and all displaced people.

• Enabling all displaced people to access local statutory and community services.