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Along with other nations, the UK has a long history of receiving people fleeing from unsafe areas of the world – whether from conflict or starvation, as political exiles, those persecuted for their religious beliefs or sexual identity, or a myriad of other individual circumstances. An often traumatic journey does little to prepare them for life in an unfamiliar country. Claiming asylum is long and difficult, and can also be a confusing and sadly sometimes hostile process. We aim to present a more human side to life in the UK and stand alongside asylum seekers and refugees without judging their motives, offering them support and welcome.

What does this look like in practice? More than anything else, we want those we support to feel welcome, to find a safe space beyond the four walls of their accommodation where they can meet with others like themselves as well as local people ready to give time and energy to help them find their feet here. Practical support is expressed in many ways:

• Getting them registered with a GP, medical appointments and other health needs
• Provision of clothing, toiletries or other basic needs
• Help filling in any number of official forms
• Advice and signposting to local services
• Support with asylum applications, including interviews, liaison with their MP, communication with the Home Office and attending appeal hearings where appropriate
• Help with English, from informal conversation to more formal classes and specific help, e.g. with reading or pronunciation and enrolment in English courses at local colleges
• Help looking for employment for those with permission to work – now generally being allowed for jobs on the government shortage list
• Provision of bicycles – so valuable for local transport when they do not have the resources to pay for bus or taxis
• Refurbished electronics – smartphones (a lifeline for contact with their home countries) and laptops (useful for those that start college)
• Trips out to local places of interest – Blackpool lights, West Kirkby, the Walker Art Gallery and Liverpool Philharmonic Hall being recent destinations
• The provision of leisure activities – recently we have arranged tenpin bowling, bike rides and gym memberships to assist physical and mental health during this difficult time

But as much as the practical help, we find that it is the relationship with local people that is most significant – those who will get alongside them, be there to help them with the many issues they face as they navigate life in a new country, and simply be a friend to them.