How did you decide to host with JRS?

“Hosting has been a positive experience for us, and we have had great support from the JRS team from the start…It is an enriching experience for both the hosts and the guests as we learn about each other’s culture. Welcoming someone to the security of a home can be life changing and gives the guest space to build up their strength and confidence.”

What are a few practical things to keep in mind as you host?

“Most guests prefer to cook for themselves and will say what type of food they like. Some will write what they want on the shopping list, hopefully in time for the weekly shopping! Arranging a time for cooking is helpful. Additional bits of food can be bought once the person is in the house. For Muslim guests who adhere to strict observance, a conversation may be useful to ensure consideration for the hosts. Newcomers usually appreciate some information about the local facilities, transport, parks etc. Having a little celebration for their birthday.”

Could you describe how you feel when you know a new guest is on their way to your house?

“My concern is always will they be happy? Will they find a welcome here? How do we make sure they do find a welcome? Also, the communication, if there is difficulty with English how do we communicate? But I usually don’t have any fears because we have had a first meeting and making sure we are both here on the day. It is something about presence: when they arrive at the door, how do we communicate both verbally and non-verbally that this person is welcome in our house? How do get this across? That would be on my mind.

I suppose we invite them to their room, help them with their luggage and bring them down for a cup of tea. Some little ritual to welcome them, but they might just want to settle. They might just want to be alone. Allow them to settle and make them feel the house is theirs. I wouldn’t load them with a pile of rules and regulations on the first day. That induction can wait.

I like to have a flower and a card in the room and that the room will be comfortable. The food would already be in the house. Also leave the Wi-Fi details on the table; they like to get connected pretty quickly. When I open the door, I would see whether they wanted a hug or a handshake. We introduce ourselves and it all comes spontaneously from there. I would get the feeling from the person and then of course take them inside in the sitting room and ask if they wanted any tea or coffee and whether they had had a meal before coming. I would have a little chat with them and see whether they wanted to say something, but we usually would have had a conversation beforehand.”

Do you have any advice for new hosts?

“It’s a learning process – you decide to do it, but then you learn from mistakes. You don’t want to load a new guest with a pile of do’s and don’ts either. Be as natural as possible with them, because their experiences prior to being hosted are usually not very positive. So, you want them to feel at home and natural, and with dignity.”