Refugee Support in Chesterfield

Derbyshire North East Circuit has teamed up with local partners to support refugee's, families from the Ukraine and their host families.

A number of Chesterfield residents have applied to the Government's Homes for Ukraine Scheme so Revd Mark Carrick and a team of volunteers have created a weekly space at Central Methodist Church for refugee families to come together to create friendships, their host families to come along and make connections, and together a community support can be established.

Revd Carrick explains: "We wanted to create a safe space for people to come along, make friends, socialise, enjoy some food but also to explain their needs and get some practical assistance.

"Our first session saw children playing snooker, people light candles in the church and generally starting to make those connections which was great.

"In the future we'd like to be able to offer English lessons, more children's activities and provide more tailored support with the help of our partners in the community.

"We don't want to just stop there though, the sense of love and community we have in Chesterfield is powerful and we'd like to widen our net of support."

Here's some extra information how you can support those fleeing from conflict and persecution.

THE HOMES FOR UKRAINE SCHEME

Apply and get matched up – If you are interested, we encourage you to sign up through the scheme, where you will be matched with refugees seeking to come to the UK. Reset (a charity supporting communities and refugees) will provide training and support for hosts and refugees as they are matched.

Register with Homes for Ukraine here: www.homesforukraine.org.uk.

If you are approached by a refugee seeking assistance we recommend that you direct them to Homes for Ukraine, where they can register to be matched with a host.

You can find out more information from the government website on the scheme at gov.uk/homes-for-ukraine.

DONATE

All We Can and the Methodist Church in Britain have launched an emergency appeal in response to events unfolding in Ukraine. Donate to the Ukraine Appeal now

ENGAGE WITH THE WIDER ISSUE OF REFUGEES

The need to offer sanctuary to people forced to flee conflict and persecution is far wider than the current Ukrainian situation. As a Church, we have been involved with advocating for and supporting people seeking sanctuary from many countries.

Please see the link below for some examples of that work and ways in which you can get involved: The Joint Public Issues Team – Asylum and Migration work.