Refugees often face social isolation, which can severely affect their mental and physical wellbeing. Without connections or support, many experience loneliness and a sense of abandonment.
Yet, involvement in community groups and volunteering has been shown to reduce these barriers – helping people form friendships, build confidence, and strengthen language and cultural understanding.
In 2024, Bridge to Unity, a Havant-based charity supporting refugees across Hampshire, was awarded £8,780 from HIWCF’s Including Communities Fund to establish a Refugee Community Hub. The Hub offers both practical support and a much-needed space for connection – helping individuals navigate employment, housing, language learning, and community life.
Alexandra Kenchington, Co-founder & Director, said:
“The idea behind our Refugee Support Hub is to create a safe place where people from different backgrounds can socialise and seek advice about any aspect of living in the UK. Not only are refugees having to adapt to a new language and a new culture but they also face barriers when it comes to financial independence.”
Held at the Pallant Centre in Havant, the Hub delivers workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as CV writing, job applications, housing advice, and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). Sessions are designed to foster inclusion, build skills, and strengthen community connections.
Alexandra continued:
“We work closely with local councils and we know a community hub does not exist outside of Portsmouth and we know it is so desperately needed. The families we support through our befriending programmes express social isolation and a lack of support for practical issues and employment.
Our Ukrainian and Afghanistan Community Integration Officers are at the centre of refugee communities and have highlighted to us the need for such a service. We hold focus groups and have regular discussions with refugees through our workshops and it is clear there is a gap that needs filling. We regularly receive referrals from Havant Council, the DWP, the NHS, Help for Heroes and other major organisations asking for us to support refugees with all aspects that the hub will offer and we desperately need the funding to establish this vitally needed service.”
Sessions now run every other Friday from 10am to 2pm, with additional support available during the week by phone or email. A dedicated staff member leads each session, supported by Bridge to Unity’s team of directors.
Oleksandr, a Hub participant, said:
“It was very useful for me to learn more about the UK job market and renew and upgrade my CV and cover letter. It was also helpful to understand what can make you feel more confident during an interview.”
Matt Simmons, Co-founder & Director, added:
“I’m so proud that Bridge to Unity CIO has secured funding to establish a vital new resource for refugees in Hampshire. Located outside of Portsmouth and Southampton, this Refugee Community Hub will empower individuals through employability workshops, English language skills training, and community orientation. It will also be a welcoming space for refugees to connect, share their cultures, and access crucial support services.”
HIWCF’s Including Communities Fund supports projects that tackle isolation, inequality, and underrepresentation across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Projects like Bridge to Unity’s Hub demonstrate the far-reaching impact of the fund – strengthening communities and ensuring no one is left behind.
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