The voluntary and statutory support services across Evesham work in a close network to ensure that services are properly targeted and not duplicated. This is one of the most effective collaborations many of us have ever experienced and something the town can be justifiably proud of.

City of Sanctuary

We are proud to be part of the national City of Sanctuary movement, a group comprising communities from across the UK who provide support for new arrivals to our country. CofS also provides support to groups like ours to learn from and share with others good practice, innovative solutions to problems and a sense of wider community and support. Visit

Worcestershire Welcomes Refugees

We work closely with the other groups supporting refugees and asylum seekers across the County, through an Umbrella Group called Worcestershire Welcomes Refugees. The other groups are:

• Worcester City Welcomes Refugees
• Bromsgrove and Redditch Welcomes Refugees
• B&DASS
• Wyre Forest Refugee Support
• Malvern Welcomes

Worcestershire County Council Resettlement Team

Our colleagues in the Resettlement Team have responsibility for people who arrive in Worcestershire via Government sponsored schemes, such as

• Homes for Ukraine
• Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS)
• Hong Kong Welcome Programme
• Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS)
• Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP)

We assist families who gain resettlement in this area and ensure they are introduced to the area, while the WCC Team is responsible for ensuring all statutory provisions are in place. Once families exit the government support schemes, we assume responsibility for any further support needed until people achieve citizenship. Visit

Wychavon District Council

We work very closely with colleagues at Wychavon District Council who are responsible for housing when people become eligible, but also for Community Support across a wide range of facilities and opportunities, often via the voluntary sector. WDC has supported us by linking us into local Voluntary Sector networking groups and by offering their expert advice on legal issues and matters relating to policy and good practice. Visit

NCT Baby Bundles Evesham

NCT Baby Bundles Evesham has been a great support when new parents with babies and small children arriving in this area. Through them, we can ensure access to a range of essential items for all new moms and their children. They have also helped us equip our Parent and Toddler Group. In return, EVWR can pass on donated items that meet their needs. Visit

Wallace House Community Centre

have been very welcoming to our service users and have at various times given us access to their rooms and kitchen to put on events. New arrivals are always made very welcome at any of the many activities that are available at the Community Centre. In turn, we have been able to assist them by taking part in some of their community events to broaden the appeal of what they offer to incoming residents. Visit

Roundabout Evesham

Roundabout is our major source of pre-loved furniture and household items for people moving into their own homes in the area. As we have limited storage ourselves, anyone offering us large items of furniture is referred to Roundabout, who have better facilities for this. Many of the refugees and asylum seekers who arrive here also volunteer for Roundabout, which helps them develop their language and practical skills. Visit

Caring Hands

Caring Hands provides many families and individuals in our community with support through their Foodbank, Baby Bank, Homeless Bank and Household Bank provisions. They have worked with us to ensure families are never left without food and essential supplies at any point. Homeless refugees and those without access to a washing machine can access their laundry service. Our volunteers regularly give to the foodbank collections to show our appreciation. Visit

John Martin’s Charity

The John Martin’s Charity helps with the provision of school uniforms for newly arriving children and with the provision of household appliances when families become eligible to access their own homes for the first time. Visit

CCP – Homeless Prevention Services

From their Evesham base, they have assisted us in supporting refugees faced with homelessness and shared their expert knowledge in these areas with our volunteers. In return, we have agreed that anyone referred to their base here can access the essential clothing and other supplies available in the EVWR Sanctuary Centre. Visit