Portsmouth City of Sanctuary (PCoS) hosts a weekly Refugee Hub in Portsmouth, 10am-12.30pm on Mondays. All displaced people needing asylum guidance are welcome to attend.
The Refugee Hub has trained staff and volunteers who can help people seeking asylum. It is a multi-agency collaboration with organisations that come to help, such as, Portsmouth Library, The Hive, The Moving On project, Vista, Portsmouth City Council Community Connectors, 432 nomads, Action Asylum, Hampshire Constabulary and Baby Basics.
At the Hub, we provide orientation casework to displaced people, offering support and signposting to key statutory agencies in the City who are there to help asylum seekers and refugees.
PCoS runs a number of activities in Portsmouth that help people seeking sanctuary. Our projects encourage integration, so that new people to the city feel welcome. This stops sanctuary seekers feeling isolated and empowers them to build skills through volunteering whilst making friends and improving their well-being.
Projects led by PCoS:
- Action Asylum which gives people seeking sanctuary a chance to volunteer, working with local people who also volunteer. The work can be anything from gardening to filmmaking.
- Sports Activities include strength and conditioning training for women and football for men over 18.
- HAVEN is a female-only space, that has a programme of activities available to those who have suffered gender violence.
- English classes are free and open to everyone at the Refugee Hub.
- Creative Community offers arts organisations and individual artists the opportunity to form a strong community with asylum seekers and refugees who are keen to showcase their creative talents alongside members of the local creative community.
If you are an organisation working with migrants and need assistance, please do not hesitate to email us at info@portsmouth.cityofsanctuary.org.
If you would like to attend the Refugee Hub for the first time, contact referrals@portsmouth.cityofsanctuary.org
Asylum Seeker testimonial:
“I feel very happy. I have made friends and attend English classes at the Hub. My asylum claim is still with the Home Office. The caseworker at the Hub helped me to find a solicitor. I no longer feel lonely in the city.”
Health Visitor testimonial:
“I phoned everywhere to get specialist advice for my client. I am very pleased that she received help and guidance from the PCoS Refugee Hub.”
Non-statutory agency testimonial:
“PCoS diverse partnerships and knowledge in the city gives me confidence when referring clients for advice and support with them. Many of our clients can now access English lessons in the heart of the city whilst making friends and connecting with local support services. Their volunteers and staff are friendly and knowledgeable.”
The Refugee Hub is part of the PMRS (Portsmouth Migrant and Refugee Service) project at PCoS, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
