Faith Engagement
From the earliest days of Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees, our volunteers have included people from all faiths, and none. Local faith groups have been generous in sharing their resources (especially space for events and meetings) and responding to requests for donations.
How can faith groups support CWR?
Keep informed about the issues, and raise awareness with others. You could sign up to the CWR Newsletter, follow us on Facebook, or invite a CWR speaker to share information with your community.
Fundraise – for example, the proceeds of a coffee morning or cake sale could make a significant difference.
Respond to specific appeals, which could be for bikes, or warm weather clothing.
Support a national campaign – for example, to end unlimited detention, condemn deportations to Rwanda, or support asylum seekers being allowed to work.
Consider providing your own activity directly for refugees and people seeking asylum – for example, informal conversation classes, or art and craft workshops.
Ensure that existing activities you run are fully welcoming to new arrivals, different cultures, different faiths and people with limited English. There is excellent information, resources and advice on how to do this available from welcomechurches.org.
Individuals can sign up to volunteer with CWR or CVT, or offer short-term accommodation in their own homes through Nightstop, or Refugees at Home.
As you learn more, and meet new arrivals, you’ll develop your own ideas as to how they can be made to feel a part of our community. Do share these with us!
For more information, get in touch with us at chelt.refugees@gmail.com.