A voluntary organisation based in Oxfordshire has celebrated thirty years of assisting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in the region.
Asylum Welcome marked its milestone anniversary at St Clement’s Family Centre in Oxford on Thursday, September 10, drawing together service users, volunteers, employees and backers of the charity.
The programme commenced with traditional Kurdish singing and percussion before joint chief executives Hari and Sarah addressed those assembled and discussed the evolution of the organisation.
Tony Samuel, who serves as co-chair of Asylum Welcome, observed that the turnout of supporters was excellent and described the occasion as genuinely memorable.
A newly produced documentary about the charity, undertaken on a pro bono basis by filmmaker Tim Hand, received its first public screening during the event.
Central to the evening’s proceedings was a Human Timeline presentation, showcasing pivotal moments and figures from the charity’s past, encompassing founder Diana Tickell alongside Alasdair MacKenzie KC, who led opposition to the Campsfield detention centre in 1993.
Contributions included personal testimonies from past beneficiaries and volunteers, including a former client who originally came from Afghanistan and subsequently was reunited with family members.
One volunteer recounted accompanying Syrian families upon their arrival in Oxford and observing the development of fresh relationships and community networks.
The gathering additionally featured catering provided by Integrate Community CIC, sweet treats supplied by Hamblin Bread, an exhibition drawn from the charity’s historical collection, and a commemorative cake crafted by volunteers Tommy and Betty.
The formal annual general meeting also signified the start of a fresh era for the Board of Trustees, as recently elected members formally commenced their duties.
Asylum Welcome originated as a modest operation and has expanded into a charitable body delivering practical help, guidance and representation across Oxfordshire.