Where it began...

In 2021, we watched the horrific scenes at Kabul airport of desperate people fleeing Afghanistan and the Taliban. We were reminded of the plight of all refugees seeking refuge from war and devastation, and a group of Chiltern Residents were determined to find a way they could help. Amersham Mayor Mark Roberts mobilised a group wanting to act and as a result, Chiltern Welcomes, a charitable organisation, was set up.

What do Chiltern Welcomes do?

We help refugee families to settle and integrate into the local area. We  find housing, help families register with schools and doctors, search for work, learn English, make friends, and contribute to the community over time.

We aim to enable, empower, and promote self-efficiency. Each family should feel safe to rebuild their lives. We feel passionately about widening community understanding of the challenges facing refugees, breaking down barriers and creating an environment where we can all learn from, and truly support, each other.

Where have we got to?

After receiving charity Commission approval, we had a successful launch event in April 2023. 

We have committed to initially focusing on helping refugees under government resettlement schemes, currently still in temporary accommodation. 

We are working closely with Buckinghamshire Council who have pledged to take some of these families. We will work side by side with the Council to find suitable properties and provide wrap around local support services through a network of volunteers. Our aim is to help the families become self-sufficient, integrate and contribute to society. 

Lastly, we strongly believe in the importance of building awareness and a culture of acceptance in the Chilterns. We are widening our contacts among local, like-minded organisations and enjoyed co-hosting Amersham’s first Refugee Week events in June and joined Peace in the Park celebrations in September 2023. We were delighted with the overwhelmingly positive response. This year, we've already had a succesful fundraising film night and have more events in the pipeline. We hope to continue promoting this community spirit and support in our aims through our various events. 

No-one within Chiltern Welcomes receives any financial benefit from the charity – we are all volunteers.