CHARIS, in association with Somerset County Council, is establishing Welcome Hubs for refugees, asylum seekers and their sponsors across Somerset.
Aims of the Welcome Hubs
Assist and empower refugees, asylum seekers and Ukrainian guests to become independent and integrate into their local, and wider, communities
Enable refugees, asylum seekers and Ukrainian guests to access both statutory and community services in their local communities
Support the sponsors through their relationship with their guests
Provide a pathway for local volunteers and community groups to support and befriend displaced people in Somerset
Welcome Hub locations
Click on locations for details.
Welcome Hubs Programme Manager
Alex Melbourne
CHARIS Refugees
16/17 Hammet Street
Taunton
TA1 1RZ
AlexMelbourne@charisrefugees.org
07719 747485
SCC Resettlement Workers
Somerset West and Taunton
Alison Forshaw
South Somerset
Sarah Berry
(also covering Mendip)
Sedgemoor
Julie Gilfoyle
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:
Welcome area and information point
Signposting to relevant local services, organisations, statutory services, events and activities where already available
English conversation cafes, informal assistance with English and access to ESOL volunteers
Formal English classes and teaching if not available locally
Safe space for a chat and a coffee
Work with DWP to provide access to benefits support and guidance
UK culture and lifestyle training and advice
Social events and activities, particularly for specific groups e.g. mothers, homework clubs etc
Support for other lifestyle administrative tasks
Preparing for employment and finding work experience and voluntary roles
Help with budgeting, bank accounts and how money works in UK
Working with Public Health services to provide mental health and wellbeing workshops/services for different groups