Room at the Inn this Advent
Will you create space and a warm welcome for people seeking safety this Christmas?
Someone like you helped me when I had nothing.
Now I can help others.
Will you help create safe, warm spaces for people seeking sanctuary this Advent?
Love crossed every border the first Christmas
My name is Jahar, and I am a volunteer in JRS UK’s practical support service.
I came to the UK 17 years ago seeking safety, but for a long time I had no status, no stability, and very little support.
This year, I was finally granted one year of leave to remain, with the support of an organisation that works with survivors of trafficking. Although I’m still waiting for further decisions about the future, my life has already started to change, and things feel more stable.
During my years waiting for safety, thanks to people like you who choose to stand alongside refugees, JRS UK was able to help me. I received legal advice, food, clothing, and other essentials. There was a period I couldn’t leave home for four months because of my health, and volunteers would deliver food to me. One of them became a close friend, calling me every week to check in. We still keep in touch today.
I found community here at the JRS UK centre: in English classes, in yoga sessions, and on some of the field trips for refugee friends.
Now I have a little more stability, I want to help others too. That’s why I’m back here volunteering every Thursday.
I welcome people as they arrive, help them find the food, clothes, and toiletries they need, and sit with them as they stop for a cup of tea and a moment’s rest.
Many people are in the same situation I was in. I can talk to them and tell them there is hope. It’s a way I can show hospitality to others. I want them to know they are not alone.
All of this is possible because of the generosity and support of people like you. As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, your support becomes so much more important.
This Advent, will you help ensure that people seeking sanctuary can continue to find food, friendship, and a warm welcome?
Thank you,
Jahar
JRS UK volunteer
Together Winter 2026 out now!
This special extended edition shares the voices of families in the asylum system, Advent reflections on the flight of the Holy Family and the response of Catholics to forced displacement, and commentary on the pause on family reunifications.
If you’d like to request copies of this edition or sign up to receive bulk copies of all newsletters moving forward, email uk.outreach@jrs.net.
Want a poster for your parish or your home?
Download and print yourself or contact us at uk.outreach@jrs.net to request an A3 copy
Take action as a parish
Want to take action as a parish or community? Find ideas for action, including sample reflections, tips on how to organise a collection, and more, in our Parish Activity Pack.
Pray together
Want to bring refugees into your prayer life? Find ideas for personal prayer, group prayer, and prayers of intercession in our new Praying with Refugees resource.
