Nicolette Busuttil joined us today in a new role, as Communities of Hospitality Coordinator. Her role will be to work with religious communities, parishes and individuals to support them to host some of our refugee friends who find themselves homeless. The JRS UK “At Home” scheme brings together asylum seekers with people willing to open up their homes and hearts as destitute asylum seekers in need of respite are matched with individuals, families and religious communities that can offer short-term accommodation.
Nicolette joins our small team in Wapping with a great deal of experience. She spent 9 years at JRS Malta, working in detention and with asylum seekers in the community. Nicolette’s role at JRS UK is part-time as she will soon start reading for a PhD in immigration law. She has experience in working within the Church in Malta having worked at the University Chaplaincy and volunteered in initiatives aimed at raising awareness on issues relating to social justice.
Nicolette said, “I am so pleased to take on this role and once again accompany, serve and advocate for destitute migrants. The ‘At Home’ project is an opportunity to provide a Christian welcome to refugees in a society that has relegated destitute migrants to its margins. It echoes the invitation made by Pope Francis to assume responsibility for the suffering of refugees by extending true hospitality to those in our midst and enabling them to regain hope of a life lived in dignity.”
Sarah Teather, Director of JRS UK, said: “I am delighted that Nicolette has joined us. She will bring so much energy and experience to our team. The At Home scheme is incredibly important to JRS. Providing shelter to refugees who find themselves homeless is literally a life line for some. It is a practical way for religious communities to make a difference and Nicolette’s appointment will enable us to expand our work in this area.”
