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Asylum Welcome

@asylumwelcome.bsky.social
499 followers 458 following 58 posts

Supporting asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants in Oxfordshire. 🤝 We provide information, advice, practical support, and solidarity. ❤️ Powered by your compassion: www.asylum-welcome.org/donate

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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
30 years ago today, Asylum Welcome became a registered charity. 💙 Three decades of welcome – made possible by everyone who has volunteered, donated, fundraised, worked with us or stood alongside us. To everyone who has been part of our journey (so far): thank you. 🎉 #30YearsOfWelcome
A homemade cake decorated for Asylum Welcome’s 30th birthday, with a large blue “30”, the words “Asylum Welcome”, a small tree design and colourful “30” decorations in the icing.
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
We’re celebrating 30 years of welcome! 🧡 Throughout September, we’re opening a new door every day, each revealing a short film about the people, stories and work of Asylum Welcome. 🚪 Five doors are already open. Come and take a look! 👀 www.asylum-welcome.org #30DaysOfWelcome #30YearsOfWelcome
asylum-welcome.org
Asylum Welcome – Asylum Welcome offers information, advice, practical support and solidarity to asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants living in Oxfordshire.
This September, we’re celebrating Asylum Welcome’s 30th birthday. Open a new door every day for a window into 30 years of welcome: our people, our work and our community. Help us continue Asylum ...
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Asylum seekers don't choose where they're accommodated. They deserve to live in dignity and safety while their claims are considered. That's why we're calling for community-based accommodation rather than large, isolated sites. Read more on our website: www.asylum-welcome.org/bicester-news/
asylum-welcome.org
Asylum Welcome responds to plans for large-scale asylum accommodation at MOD Bicester - Asylum Welcome
Please help us support more refugees, like Hira, who built a community in her asylum centre, when we helped fund her an art class.
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Jonathan Portes @jdportes.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Summary of the Home Office Impact Assessment for Asylum Bill is hilarious (if it weren't so depressing). HO analysts say "basically no evidence to suggest *any* of these policies will work *even on their own terms*" (but will probably cost money). assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a43e1...
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Jon Featonby @jonfeatonby.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
The second reading of the Immigration and Asylum Bill will be on Monday 13 July, so squeezing it in before the summer recess and the transition to a new PM.
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Colin Yeo @colinyeo.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
New: What’s in the Immigration and Asylum Bill 2026? — by Alex Piletska
freemovement.org.uk
What’s in the Immigration and Asylum Bill 2026? - Free Movement
The Bill announced in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 has now been published and is beginning its slow passage through Parliament. It is the fifth
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Colin Yeo @colinyeo.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
The online Immigration and Asylum Bill tracker with marked-up tracked changes of existing legislation is, I think, finished. If you spot any problems or have any feature requests or suggestions on better presentation, just drop me a line. bills.freemovement.org.uk
bills.freemovement.org.uk
Immigration and Asylum Bill — Free Movement
Read a UK immigration or asylum Bill clause by clause, with the effect of each amendment on existing legislation shown underneath.
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Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration @icibi.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
The Independent Chief Inspector's report on ‘An inspection of asylum casework’ has been published and is available on the ICIBI website:
gov.uk
Inspection report published: An inspection of asylum casework (June – December 2025)
The Independent Chief Inspector comments on the asylum casework inspection report following its publication.
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Nadia Whittome MP @nadiawhittomemp.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Charging refugees for the support they receive is morally wrong. These are people who have fled war, torture and persecution. In practice, this will lock out the vast majority of refugees from obtaining settled status in the UK. [1/2]
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
We're halfway to our Summer Appeal target! 💛 At a time of growing uncertainty, your support helps refugees and asylum seekers across Oxfordshire access trusted advice, practical support and a warm welcome. Please give if you can. Thank you. www.asylum-welcome.org/donate/?mtm_...
A handwritten quote on a white paper note with pink masking tape reads: "Welcome" is a place to be me and a place where people want to know me.
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Dan Sohege @danielsohege.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Not to labour a point, but this is not a "new scheme", or a "Canada style scheme". It's an existing scheme which has been around for years that Labour are just tweaking, and is designed to take responsibility for supporting people seeking safety away from the state. 1/ www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The Home Office has vowed to introduce new "capped safe and legal" routes for asylum seekers to arrive in the UK later this year.

The department said it would allow organisations like universities, community groups and businesses to sponsor refugees who applied to come to the UK, a model based on Canada's asylum system.Screenshot from gov portal. 
Apply for community sponsorship

Community sponsorship is a way that community groups can be involved in supporting the resettlement of vulnerable people fleeing conflict.

From:

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Home Office and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Published

19 July 2016
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Alf Dubs @alfdubs.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Remove home secretary Mahmood and rip up her asylum plans, says Alf Dubs
Exclusive: Labour peer who fled Nazis as a child says Andy Burnham has chance to ‘correct mistakes’ on refugees
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Oxford Clarion @oxfordclarion.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Oxfordshire charity Asylum Welcome agreed. CEO Hari Reed said: “Large-scale accommodation on isolated military sites risks being even more damaging than hotel accommodation. The accommodation we provide should help people become part of our communities, not keep them apart.”
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Oxford Clarion @oxfordclarion.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
The Government’s unexpected announcement of an asylum accommodation centre at MOD Bicester has been criticised by the local MP and district council. Calum Miller called it “the wrong site, in the wrong place, with no credible plan for local services, safety, social cohesion or proper support”.
Map of proposed asylum centre at MOD Bicester. Base map © OpenStreetMap
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Together With Refugees @refugeestogether.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Today is World Refugee Day. Nobody chooses to be a refugee. Nobody chooses to leave their home, their community, or the life they know behind. We are a coalition of over 600 organisations, working towards a fair asylum system. Find out more, link in our bio
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UN Humanitarian @unocha.org · 20/06/2026
They didn't leave by choice. They left to survive. On #WorldRefugeeDay – we stand with the nearly 118 million people forcibly displaced worldwide. Fleeing violence should not mean fleeing into more danger. Protection must follow people wherever they go. 💙
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Today is World Refugee Day. 🧡 For three decades, Asylum Welcome has helped people seeking safety rebuild their lives in Oxfordshire. Today and every day, help us be there for the next person who needs us. If you can, please support our appeal - thank you: www.asylum-welcome.org/donate/?mtm_...
Refugee Week 2026 poster with the word “COURAGE!” repeated in large orange letters. At the bottom are the dates 15–21 June 2026 and the Refugee Week logo. The poster highlights this year’s theme: Courage.
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Healthwatch Oxfordshire @healthwatchoxfordshire.co.uk · 15/06/2026
At the start of #refugeeweek Veronica had a great afternoon on Saturday speaking with people at Oxford Sanctuary Fair. Interesting conversations, handed out some of our translated leaflet and lots of creative kids again decorating our Healthwatch Oxfordshire bags. @asylumwelcome.bsky.social
Montage of photos from the Oxford Sanctuary Fair, banner for the fair, children's hands colouring a tote bag, Healthwatch Oxfordshire banner by our stall.
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Our latest podcast episode tells the remarkable story of Oxford Phoenix FC. What started with a few training sessions is now a strong community — and this weekend, they’re in a cup final. Listen now: www.asylum-welcome.org/oxfordphoenix/ #YallahPhoenix #FromTheAshes #Welcomecast
asylum-welcome.org
Phoenix FC in the Final! Hear their story on Welcomecast - Asylum Welcome
Please help us support more refugees, like Hira, who built a community in her asylum centre, when we helped fund her an art class.
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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
via Migrants Organise: www.migrantsorganise.org/what-the-bbc... "This type of reporting has harmful consequences for our communities... Holding the BBC to account is a vital step in building safer communities for everyone."
migrantsorganise.org
What the BBC investigation didn't tell you, and what you can do about it.
The BBC investigation targeting migrants ignored the systemic injustices pushing people into exploitation. Use our guide to submit a complaint.
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Reunite Families UK @rfuk.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Being British or settled doesn’t mean your spouse can live with you 🇬🇧 Earn under £29k? No visa. Can’t save £88,500? No visa. Have kids together? Doesn’t matter. 🚨 We're launching this campaign today—help us tell the gov to stop profiting from tearing families apart reunitefamiliesuk.co.uk/sign
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
Our #BikeOxford team is growing – it's great to see people signing up to ride for us during @refugeeweek.bsky.social Still time to join: • Sign up via the website • Use code: ASYLUMWELCOMEBIKEOX26 • Let us know: development@asylum-welcome.org Support our riders: www.justgiving.com/campaign/awb...
justgiving.com
Bike Oxford 2026 - Asylum Welcome
This June, Asylum Welcome is putting together a team of cyclists to take on Bike Oxford 2026. Taking place on the final day of Refugee Week, Bike Oxford is a great way to support our work while enjoyi...
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
For many people arriving in the UK, a phone is the first way to tell their family: “I’ve made it. I’m safe.” Your support can make that call possible. We’ve helped 1,000+ people with digital devices since 2023. Please, if you can, support our spring appeal: www.asylum-welcome.org/donate/?mtm_...
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Refugee Council @refugeecouncil.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Policing the Channel alone is not enough to stop small boat crossings. As we told The Independent, the government must address why people take dangerous journeys in the first place: there are not enough safe and legal routes to the UK. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
independent.co.uk
UK and France fail to agree new deal to stop small boat crossings
The home secretary said a two-month extension to negotiations was necessary because the UK wanted ‘more bang for our buck’ from the deal
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
🧵 Vital thread from our friends at @safepassageintl.bsky.social
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Safe Passage International @safepassageintl.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Here's what the government isn't telling you about their attack on family reunion. 1. They ditched their own principles Keir Starmer & Shabana Mahmood themselves stood up for child refugees in opposition. Now they're the ones keeping these children apart from their mums or dads.
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
This #InternationalWomensDay we’re celebrating the courage, resilience and solidarity of the women we support at Asylum Welcome. ♀️💪🌍 Our latest blog shares reflections from staff working alongside them. #IWD 👉 Read more: www.asylum-welcome.org/women-seekin...
asylum-welcome.org
Supporting women seeking safety - Asylum Welcome
Please help us support more refugees, like Hira, who built a community in her asylum centre, when we helped fund her an art class.
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
📣 We’re looking for a new Chair of Trustees (voluntary role) to help guide Asylum Welcome at a crucial time. A chance to use your leadership skills to support people rebuilding their lives in safety. Interested or have someone in mind? See more details on our website: www.asylum-welcome.org/chair/
asylum-welcome.org
Asylum Welcome is seeking a new Chair of Trustees - Asylum Welcome
We are looking for two new trustees to join our board - a treasurer and a trustee with lived experience.
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
This Valentine’s Day, Asylum Welcome is proud to stand alongside more than 600 organisations in the @refugeestogether.bsky.social coalition. Write to your MP today to ask for a fair and compassionate asylum system: actionnetwork.org/letters/tell...
actionnetwork.org
Tell Your MP: Choose compassion not cruelty
The Government has just announced a raft of draconian and cruel new policies that risk eroding refugees' rights. People who have fled the horror of war and persecution, suffering terrible trauma, ne...
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
We’re excited to be involved in this event exploring #Brecht’s ever-relevant writings in exile, newly set to music by Niels Rønsholdt, with Lore Lixenberg, David Constantine & Tom Kuhn. 📍 Mordan Hall, St Hugh’s College Tues 3rd Feb at 5.30 pm 🎟️ Book now: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exile-for-...
eventbrite.co.uk
EXILE for voices, playback and audio piano
Join us to celebrate the launch of a record of new Brecht songs with a short programme of live song, readings, and discussion.
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Refugee Council @refugeecouncil.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Siham, Daneshgar, and Motaz are just three of the young people we work with. They told ITV News why education is so important for young refugees, to help them settle into Britain, rebuild their lives, and find work. www.itv.com/news/2026-01...
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Refugee Action @refugeeaction.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
New reporting shows the “one in, one out” scheme is harming survivors of torture and trafficking while failing to deter crossings. Safeguards in detention are breaking down. This is performative cruelty, not effective policy. Read the investigation: bit.ly/4sKHBZA
bit.ly
UK’s ‘one in, one out’ scheme has failed to protect torture survivors, says charity
Medical Justice report finds Home Office approach has led to ‘near total disregard for identified vulnerabilities’
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Zoe Gardner @zoejardiniere.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
Over 20 years, Iran has been the No1 country of origin for asylum seekers in the UK. Those who campaign to slash the rights of refugees, but today decry the savagery of the Iranian regime, need to have a little think. There is no safe route to the UK for Iranian asylum seekers.
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Colin Yeo @colinyeo.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
From yesterday: Free Movement review of 2025 | Colin Yeo
freemovement.org.uk
Free Movement review of 2025 - Free Movement
It has become an end-of-year tradition, for good or ill, for me to review what’s been going on in the immigration law world, look ahead and share a little of
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
⏳ Don't miss the chance to apply! We’re recruiting a Fundraising Officer — a hands-on role with real impact, supporting refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants in Oxfordshire. Applications close midnight *tomorrow* (Sunday 11th January 2026). www.asylum-welcome.org/fundraising-...
asylum-welcome.org
We are recruiting a Fundraising Officer! - Asylum Welcome
We’re looking for a proactive and highly organised Fundraising Officer to join our team and help us raise much-needed income to support our life-changing services for refugees and asylum seekers in Ox...
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
💡 Interested? Know someone who might be? We’re recruiting a Fundraising Officer to help raise vital income supporting refugees & asylum seekers in Oxford. ⏳ 🕛 Deadline: Sun 11th Jan 2026 (midnight) Apply now via CharityJob or see more details on our website: www.asylum-welcome.org/fundraising-...
charityjob.co.uk
Fundraising Officer | Asylum Welcome Oxford | CharityJob
Apply now for Fundraising Officer. , £28,500 - £32,000 per year, find a career with meaning today
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Coalition to Close Campsfield @closecampsfield.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
As Campsfield detention centre reopens tomorrow in #Oxfordshire, many of us feel heavy-hearted. But for all who may be detained there, we will keep going — and strengthen our efforts to #CloseCampsfield and #EndDetention. Join the protests: 4pm Campsfield • 6pm Carfax #TheseWallsMustFall
A dark brown square graphic with bold white text at the top reading “Two Emergency Protests Tomorrow.” Below this are two location lines, each with a white map-pin icon: “Campsfield, Langford Lane – 4pm” and “Carfax, Oxford – 6pm.” In the bottom right is the orange circular logo of the Coalition to Close Campsfield, featuring barbed wire across the lower half. In the bottom left is a simple white line-drawing of a megaphone.
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Oxford Clarion @oxfordclarion.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
A former detainee of Campsfield said: “While I was at Campsfield I saw many people struggle to cope with depression and a system designed to break people down. You are treated as if you are a risk to society when all you are trying to do is reach safety and build a life.”
Protesters. Sign saying 'we point towards justice'
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
Our Winter Appeal launches today. Every donation is DOUBLED through match funding, helping people at risk of homelessness in Oxford find a place to stay. Please give what you can to help refugees in Oxfordshire find safety. Kindness really does open doors. Thank you. www.asylum-welcome.org/winter/
A person’s hand on the handle of a green front door as it is opened.Two people sit smiling at a table, sharing a relaxed moment, with plates of muffins and doughnuts in the foreground.
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AVIDdetention @aviddetention.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
📣At the protest this weekend: "The people of Oxfordshire have made their voices clear, and will continue to do so, that refugees are welcome here. This is meant to be a city of sanctuary. Campsfield is the opposite of sanctuary." @asylumwelcome.bsky.social www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Protesters oppose immigration removal centre reopening
Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centre is due to reopen later this year, after closing in 2018
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
Looking for some good vibes? Join us **tonight** (Thursday 20th Nov, 6–8 pm) for the Art Auction at 74 Magdalen Road (OX4 1RE). Fabulous artwork, soft drinks and wine, and a warm community atmosphere — all in support of people seeking sanctuary. 🎨 🧡 www.magdalenroadstudios.com/calendar/art...
magdalenroadstudios.com
Art Auction for Asylum Welcome — Magdalen Road Studios
Art Auction for Asylum Welcome Magdalen Road Studios 6-8PM Bid for an original art work and help support Asylum Welcome. Wine kindly donated by Art of Wine
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Praxis, for migrants and refugees @praxisprojects.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
🚨Making it harder for migrants to settle in the UK is yet another act of economic vandalism🚨 www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
theguardian.com
Up to 50,000 nurses could quit UK over immigration plans, survey suggests
Exclusive: union leaders say proposed changes are immoral and could threaten patient safety if there is staff exodus
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mark adams @markja.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
It’s a kind of orange…. @asylumwelcome.bsky.social Place an orange light in your window during the Oxford Christmas Light Festival (14–16 November) — a simple symbol of welcome, sanctuary, and hope for people seeking safety.
Orange heart
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Huge thanks to @adobe.com & Revivn for donating 50 laptops to Asylum Welcome’s Digital Inclusion project! 💻 These lightweight devices will help refugees and asylum seekers access education, jobs and connection. You’ve given technology a second life — and helped people rebuild theirs. #ThankYou 💛
Two smiling Asylum Welcome team members stand beside a long table covered in laptops, each holding one up to the camera to celebrate a donation from Adobe and Revivn.An Asylum Welcome staff member sits at a round table with rows of donated laptops laid out in front of her, ready to be set up for people new to Oxfordshire as part of the Digital Inclusion project.
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
Everyone deserves warmth & dignity. This winter, refugees in Oxfordshire face hunger & homelessness as they attempt to rebuild their lives. Your kindness can help: £20 = welcome pack £50 = school essentials £100 = safe sleep £250 = food & support 💜 tinyurl.com/hardship-appeal Thank you so much!
tinyurl.com
Asylum Welcome's Emergency Hardship Fund appeal
Please stand with us today by donating to our Hardship Fund. Your contribution ensures that vulnerable refugees have access to vital essentials, and helps prevent people from sleeping rough over the u...
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Right to Remain @right-to-remain.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
To support the National Day of Solidarity to End Immigration Detention 18 Oct, Coalition to Keep Campsfield Closed are running an event with a panel discussion & more. #Oxford #MigrationIsLife #NoOneIsIllegal #TheseWallsMustFall @asylumwelcome.bsky.social righttoremain.org.uk/local-action...
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
Best of luck to everyone taking part in the #OxfordHalf today — especially #TeamAsylumWelcome 🎽 — running in memory of our much-missed volunteer James Throup. Every penny raised helps refugees and asylum seekers rebuild their lives in Oxfordshire. 🏃‍♀️🧡🏃‍♂️ Donate here 👇 tinyurl.com/oxford-half-marathon
tinyurl.com
Asylum Welcome is running the Oxford Half Marathon in memory of James Throup
This October, Asylum Welcome is putting forward our own team to run the Oxford Half Marathon. Our team is as diverse as our organisation – comprising a Sanctuary Hosting guest, a service coordinator...
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
One week to go until the Oxford Half Marathon! 🏃 🧡 Our Asylum Welcome runners are over halfway to their target — every mile they run helps fund help, advice and hope for people starting again in safety. Please support them if you can: justgiving.com/campaign/asy... Thank you!
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
Last week, our AGM & Supporters’ Meeting brought together voices from across Asylum Welcome — and marked 10 years of Sanctuary Hosting. More than 40,000 nights of shelter, 300 guests supported, and a new exhibition unveiled to celebrate this milestone. Read more: www.asylum-welcome.org/agm-2025/
he Sanctuary Hosting panel at Asylum Welcome’s AGM. Six panellists sit at the front of the room, including Tania Baldwin-Pask speaking into a microphone on the far right. An Asylum Welcome banner is displayed on the left, while the audience listens attentively.Display panels from the Sanctuary Hosting exhibition, unveiled at Asylum Welcome’s AGM. The boards include information about the service since 2015, testimonies from hosts and guests under the heading “Voices of Sanctuary,” and a section on challenges and hopes for the next 10 years.Hari, Joint CEO of Asylum Welcome, stands on the left speaking into a microphone and gesturing with her hand. Sarah, Joint CEO, stands on the right smiling and holding notes. Both are addressing the AGM audience, with heads of attendees visible in the foreground.At Asylum Welcome’s AGM, compere Ghani stands on the left holding a microphone for Michael, a former client, who is reading from his notes. An Asylum Welcome banner and a projected presentation slide are visible behind them, while the audience watches from the foreground.
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 13/09/2025
👪 We're live at the Old Schoolhouse Community Day (Hertford Street, off Magdalen Road). 👋 Drop by our stall to say hello, pick up a copy of our latest Annual Review, and see if you can beat our fiendishly metaphorical Hostile Environment Challenge...
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