At Time to Help UK, we believe in the power of community and connection. That’s why we’re excited to announce our latest initiative: ladies’ coffee mornings in temporary refugee hostels. These events bring together asylum seekers and our volunteers for a morning of arts and crafts, coffee, and snacks. But beyond just providing a fun and social activity, these coffee mornings significantly impact the mental health and sense of belonging of those who participate.
One of the most challenging aspects of being a refugee is feeling isolated and disconnected from one’s community. This can be especially true for women, who may face additional barriers to accessing resources and building connections. Our ladies’ coffee mornings provide a safe and welcoming space for women to come together and form friendships and support networks.
Participants in our coffee mornings reported feeling more connected to their community, hopeful about their future, and less isolated. One asylum seeker, Fatima*, shared, “I came to the coffee morning feeling very alone, but now I have made new friends and feel like I belong here.”
In addition to the social benefits, our coffee mornings also provide an opportunity for participants to engage in arts and crafts activities. These activities are known to positively affect mental health and well-being, as they offer a creative outlet for expressing emotions and promoting relaxation.
“It is so nice to come and do something creative; it helps me forget about my problems for a little while,” shared another participant, Rania*.
At Time to Help UK, we are committed to supporting asylum seekers’ mental health and well-being. We believe that building community and providing opportunities for connection, and self-expression are crucial components of this work. We are thrilled to see the positive impact of our ladies’ coffee mornings and look forward to continuing this initiative in the future.
Please consider supporting our cause by donating, volunteering or reaching out to us for more information.
*Not real names.
