In 2018, Chagford Hospitality Network (CHN) got together with Bristol Hospitality Network (BHN) and provided annual holidays on rural Dartmoor for a group of 16 asylum seekers, which have been running successfully ever since. Claire Ash Wheeler (Chagford) and Rachael Bee (BHN) instigated that first holiday and Claire still coordinates the Chagford holidays with a team. We decided together that we needed to try to share this idea with other rural and urban communities and make more connections happen so we founded Sanctuary Community Holidays with Noah Bakour in 2024.
In Chagford on Dartmoor, asylum seeking guests stay with home-stay hosts. The holiday includes activities every day offered by local volunteers; such as a guided walk on Dartmoor, volunteering at a local organic market garden, pottery and craft sessions, swimming, yoga, meditation, an outing to the seaside, playing sports and music with the local community. All the ingredients of a great break away from the stress, anxiety and unknown elements of being an asylum seeker in a busy urban environment.
In September 2024 we facilitated our next holiday, connecting a group of asylum seekers and refugees from Cardiff to Rural Pembrokeshire for a farm-stay. We had an amazing time together in the countryside, eating great food together around a long table!
'When you have more than you need, build a longer table not a higher wall'
If you want to find out about hosting a holiday in your area, or bringing a group of asylum seekers and refugees from your urban project, get in touch!
