This year, JRS UK is proud to present a curated list of meaningful gestures that can have a profound impact, no matter how small they may seem.
Acts of kindness matter now more than ever, and small acts can make a difference to someone seeking sanctuary. The journey for asylum seekers has grown increasingly challenging, leaving people feeling isolated and segregated from society. Small acts of kindness can help others feel recognised and seen, and is a great way to affirm the dignity of people we meet. We hope you’ll enjoy the list we’ve suggested below – let us know if you have any other ideas!
Support the work of JRS UK
By supporting our Lent Appeal, you can accompany refugee friends this Lenten season. Your support can provide food, hardship grants and legal advice – and help restore dignity for refugee friends within a warm, loving community.
£5 can help provide access to healthy fresh food for a refugee friend.
£25 can help with casework support for someone facing destitution.
£50 can provide two hardship grants so refugee friends can afford food and essentials.
Donate to the 2024 JRS UK Lent Appeal
Acts of Kindness
Been meaning to send a card to someone?
Why not consider sending a Refugee Gift? These beautifully illustrated gift cards help sponsor vital services, such as anything from Hardship grants to facilitating phone calls with detainees, and even legal advice provided by our dedicated legal team at JRS UK.
When you choose a Refugee Gift, you’re not only sending a thoughtful present to a loved one but also extending a lifeline to destitute refugees, offering them a chance of hope and support. They come in both virtual and physical forms too, perfect for any occasion!
Are you an online shopper?
JRS UK is signed up with Give As You Live, a free and effortless way to raise money when you shop online. For every new sign-up before the end of February, Give As You Live generously donates an extra £1 to JRS UK. Your everyday online shopping can now serve a dual purpose – indulging yourself while making a positive impact and donating.
Do you have any items you could donate?
Check out our ‘Current Needs’ section, an up-to-date list of urgently needed items. Donations range from clothing to toiletries to suitcases. Your donations help us continue providing for over 180 refugee friends who visit the free JRS Shop monthly.
P.S. you can also order new items directly to us via our Amazon wish list.
Want to pray more during Lent?
Why not say a prayer for asylum seekers and refugees? Join us as we pray the Stations of the Cross together online on Thursday 21st March at 7pm.
Are you active on social media?
If you use social media, why not share our content on your platforms to raise awareness of the issues facing refugees and asylum seekers with your friends? Sharing our work means a greater understanding of the UK asylum system and more support for the refugee friends we accompany.
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
You can also sign up to our e-Updates, which go out once every two weeks, and share them with others!
Volunteer
For those who wish to get involved more directly, why not volunteer? The ‘volunteer’ section on our website is up to date with volunteering opportunities:
Do you have people skills and a listening ear?
Why not volunteer as a Detention Social Visitor? This role offers vital support to those held at Immigration Removal Centres, offering a connection and accompaniment to those facing the hardship of isolation and uncertainty.
Or, an eye for clothes and design?
As Detention Clothing Volunteer you’ll help source, make, and amend quality clothing which meet people’s needs when they are in detention or when they are released. This brings much needed support and provides dignity.
Or maybe you’ve got green fingers?
Becoming our Gardening Volunteer and help teach gardening to residents at our two homes housing refugee friends, Emilie House and Amani House!
Find out more about volunteering
Hosting
Another form of kindness can be through hosting a refugee friend.
The JRS ‘At Home’ scheme aims to match destitute asylum seekers with individuals, families, parishes, and religious communities who are able and willing to offer accommodation for an agreed period, which is determined by guest and host need.
So, if you live in London and are and have a spare room, you could make a huge difference to the life of those we support!
The At Home hosting scheme provides respite to refugee friends experiencing destitution, and creates a safe, hospitable sanctuary where they feel welcome again. At a time when we are seeing more hostility than ever, hosting is a life-line for refugee friends at risk of street homelessness.
Learn more about the At Home Hosting Scheme
