We know you might have lots of questions about how this could work in your area. We've compiled a list of questions we've been asked. Please check if the answer is here and if not contact us!

Sanctuary Community Holidays connects urban refugee and asylum seeker communities with warm-hearted, welcoming rural communities, and together we create wonderful holidays in the countryside.

What is a Sanctuary Community Holiday? 

It is a holiday that connects a group of urban-based refugees and asylum seekers with a warm hearted, welcoming rural community. Working together, the group creates a wonderful holiday in the countryside. It can be in a rural or semi-rural setting. 10-16 asylum seekers or refugees travel from urban areas to welcoming rural communities who prepare to welcome them for a holiday of 3-5 days duration.

Can you give me more details about what happens on a holiday?

Asylum seekers and refugees are usually hosted in twos with local households with 2 spare rooms. The hosts only have to offer bed and breakfast to their guests.

A central location, such as a village hall, near to host homes is set up for the week as a base and the group connects with local people in various ways to create an enjoyable holiday. 

Some holidays have been more centrally located with people camping and staying in caravans onsite. We can help work out something that will work with your area so get in touch to talk possibilities!

Activities offered have included a beach trip, volunteering at a local market garden, pottery, looking after farm animals, collecting eggs and harvesting veg, canoeing, art, wood carving, crafts, music-making, swimming in the local swimming pool, and sports with the local community, guided walks in the local area, yoga and meditation, gardening, rounders, football, shopping at a local charity shop with a small budget, crocheting, relaxing, eating together; all the things you like from a holiday. It really depends on what skills or connections local people are able to volunteer to share!

What preparation is required? 

You really need a small organising group of 3-6 people. Additionally, you’ll need to build a community of volunteers who can do any of the following:

• Hosting B&B for 2 guests for 3-5 nights

• Transporting the guests to local activities

• Making salads, cakes and savoury dishes as required 

• Offering some activities, e.g. art, crafts, guided walks, yoga, meditation, gardening, sports, and other activities during the holiday

In addition, you may want to run a weekend event, such as a friendly football or cricket match or a fundraiser, such as a global feast, in advance of the holiday or simple events like a cake sale or cream tea to raise awareness as well as funds.

NB: In our handbook we give an example itinerary but you’ll need to make that your own when you know what you can bring together from your local area.

I have some time, but I’m not ready to host an asylum seeker. What can I do?

No problem. There are lots of ways to be involved: helping with cooking a meal, making a cake or salad, transporting to activities or meeting guests when they arrive, etc. 

Let’s talk about the options and what you are or are not comfortable doing. We appreciate whatever you’re able to offer, no matter how small it seems to you.

Where have the guests come from? 

They are all based in the UK but may not have settled yet or have their own places to live and some may be in hotels with few opportunities to get out into the countryside. They have come from a wide range of countries, including Syria, Iran, Iraq, Columbia, Afghanistan, and African nations. They may have been waiting months for an answer for their application to remain. This can be terribly depressing and disheartening for them. A holiday in the beautiful countryside with local people can be so uplifting for the guests as well as the hosts and can have a positive impact on their confidence, well-being and trust. It is mutually rewarding! 

Where do the visitors stay?

They are hosted with local homes in and around your community. We recommend 2 guests per house, as this makes it easier to socialise together. It is simply bed and breakfast; the rest of the day and all meals are organised in a central location. 

What’s the SCH connection?

We are a small organisation that collaborates with urban asylum seeking/refugee agencies and lovely rural settings with a warm heart for asylum seekers to create wonderful holidays. We are there to help set things up and offer our advice and support from our experience since 2017.  We are here when you need us but you will need to create a group that coordinates the holiday locally. 

I’m nervous about hosting.

It’s understandable to be nervous about hosting people you’ve not met before. And the guests can also be nervous about coming into a local person’s home. However, hosts from the project in Chagford, Devon (see the short video) tell us over and over again, what a rewarding experience it is and the SCH team are here to give guidance and support you to set up a wonderful holiday. Together we can make it happen!

Do we need to fundraise? 

It’s fun to fundraise and it also raises awareness of asylum seeking and refugee issues. And it helps bring communities together to support your project. Funding goes towards buying food, assisting with transport costs, and paying for activities on the holiday.

What is the difference between an asylum seeker and a refugee?

An asylum seeker is someone who has arrived in the UK claiming their protection rights under international law and to find safety. While their claim is processed, they have the right to accommodation, healthcare and education, but are not allowed to work. Once the asylum claim is successful, which can take many months or years, they become a refugee. Refugees have the right to housing, healthcare, education, benefits, and are allowed to work; they also pay taxes, improve our economy, and add to our culture.