Posted on: June 19, 2024
This week is Refugee Week, so we spoke to Kim Gowland from Host Nation MCR about the ways that folks can do more to help those seeking refuge around our city and strengthen their community.
How long have you been going?
HostNation is a national charity working in London, Tyneside and Greater Manchester. We have been working in London since 2017 and in Greater Manchester since 2022.
What has been the greatest reward since being with the charity?
We connect socially isolated sanctuary seekers (asylum seekers and refugees) with volunteer befrienders.
Through careful matching with friendly residents, we aim to give refugees a positive experience of our cities, a pathway into our communities and a relaxed space for practising their English. So far we have made 900 friendship matches nationally and around 100 in Manchester!
As one of two Manchester Hub Managers, I find it so rewarding to make a great friendship match. To find a friend for a sanctuary seeker who might be lonely or isolated, or simply really wanting to integrate into life here, understand more about British culture or explore Manchester is a joy. When myself or my colleague Cara see friendships blossoming, and our refugee friends growing in confidence, feeling a sense of belonging and having fun with their new friend, that is so rewarding.
How can people get involved?
We are always looking for new befrienders in Manchester. If someone has a few hours each week to spend with a refugee or asylum seeker, is friendly and kind, and willing to commit to a minimum of three months to meet up, they can apply to to be a HostNation befriender here : https://www.hostnation.org.uk/befriend
We will get in touch and support through a very straightforward and supportive process to make sure they have what they need to volunteer with us. Our volunteers tell us what a rewarding experience being a befriender is, they really appreciate the flexibility that this experience offers, and the matches often lead to lifelong friendships!
Any big things happening within your charity in the next month you’d like to shout about?
17-23 June 2024 is Refugee Week, so a great time to volunteer to befriend with us, but we welcome volunteer befrienders all year round.
Recommended reading for Refugee Week can be found here
Visit Host Nation website here
Host Nation MCR Facebook
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