What happens when a church can no longer safely advertise its work with refugees? Why would a volunteer-run refugee café, deeply supported by its local community, decide it is no longer safe to remain open?
At October’s Sustaining Hope Gathering, we heard the stories behind those questions. Deacon Vicky Welsh described how the arrival of an asylum accommodation centre transformed the atmosphere of a previously welcoming town, creating challenges not only for refugees but also for churches, volunteers and local residents seeking to build understanding.
We also heard from Rossana Leal, whose own journey to Britain as a refugee inspired her to establish the Refugee Buddy Project. Through stories of friendship, community support and practical action, she showed how ordinary people can help those rebuilding their lives after displacement.
These moving, sometimes troubling, but ultimately hopeful accounts challenge us to think about hospitality, community and our response to those seeking refuge. Read the full report here to discover the inspiring people, difficult realities and signs of hope that emerged from this memorable gathering.