The Welcome Project – Leicester

In 2000 a large influx of asylum seekers came to Leicester . Single people and childless couples were accommodated in hotels and families into houses.

The Interfaith forum decided to start befriending asylum seekers on a Sunday afternoon once a month at the International Hotels. It was then decided that so much more needed to be done, and the Welcome Project grew out of that. The Diocese of Leicester Cathedral said they wanted to be involved and offered the Project a venue at 21 St. Martins in the heart of Leicester.

The Project has a small office, a reception room and a large room at the back, where they talk to clients in private. Donated goods are displayed, and there also is some space in the cellar where tin food is stored.

In May 2001, Leicester Welcome Project opened its door on Thursday from 10am to 4 pm.Posters were put in hotels and through word of mouth an awareness was created.

Three years later it was felt there was a need for a Woman only group with a grant from The Guardian. With a woman paid worker, the Leicester Woman Welcome Project started on a Tuesday afternoon from 12.30 to 3.30 pm.

The first few years we were very busy. 30-40 people a week came from many different countries and speaking many different languages. With the help of some volunteers who also spoke other languages and using sign language, communication was easier. Staff at the Welcome project help asylum seekers with the filling in of various forms in order for them to get support from NASS, getting their children into schools and registering with local GP. They also write letters, make phone calls and send faxes, advocate for them and give informal advice.

The Chairperson for the Project Christine Kilbourne said, “Over the last few years we have seen an increase in the number of asylum seekers who have become destitute.This may be partly be due to the fact that once (some of the asylum seekers’) appeals are rejected, they become afraid to apply for Section 4 because by doing so they agree to be sent back anytime to their country of origin where they feel they still face persecution. We have heard of case where this happened”

“So they are many asylum seekers sleeping on friends’ floors or sleeping rough with no money or any form of assistance,” she added.

“Those who are on Section 4 get accommodation in a shared house and £35 a week in vouchers and no money. We therefore give out food to them or signpost them to other support agencies that we have close links with like The British Red Cross.” said Christine.

“We offer friendship and support in a welcoming environment to people facing a very difficult time. We can offer practical support by distributing donations of goods, e.g food, clothes and toiletries,” she continued.

Who volunteers?

People from many different backgrounds volunteer to help, diversity is welcome in the volunteer team.Volunteers with language skills or those who are asylum seekers or refugees are also welcome. No experience of volunteering is required.All volunteers go through a simple selection process and are provided with basic training.

The Welcome project is a member of both the Voluntary Sector and Multi-Agency Forums, which enables good communication between all local agencies working in Leicester.

The Welcome Project is open for all asylum seekers every Thursday from 10am to 1pm and is located at 21 St. Martin Road in the city centre.

Contact Details

For main enquiries, volunteering and donations
Christine Kilbourne – Chair
Tel: 01162710529
e-mail : ckoadby@talktalk.net