Supporting vulnerable refugees in the West Midlands through a network of community volunteers
We support those who have come to the UK fleeing war and persecution and have found themselves alone, destitute and in need of a helping hand. We have two projects, a Hosting Network and a Family Befriending Project. Our Hosting Network is a group of volunteer hosts who share their homes for a short time with a refugee experiencing destitution. Our Family Befriending Project matches isolated young refugees (aged 16-25) with volunteer families who offer a regular meal and befriending support.
Why the community needs usOur volunteer hosts have provided over 4200 nights of accommodation to destitute individuals since we were established in 2011. One guest, an Eritrean young man, said: "I would like to say thank you to BIRCH for being helpful in my life and introducing me to lovely people like Annie and her family who I get on very well with. Also thank you to Annie for treating me like a son and welcoming me into her home and looking after me."
Our impact on the community
