SWVG’S 10th Anniversary

After visiting asylum seekers sent to Winchester Prison in 2001, seven volunteers trained and set up a pilot scheme befriending refugees in Southampton.

Over the last ten years about 150 visitors have worked with 250 clients – some for short periods, others for several years. We are recognized nationally for our innovative Assist scheme giving subsistence payments to the destitute, and our legal justice project.

What does SWVG do?

SWVG is a group of volunteers who befriend and support asylum seekers and refugees in the Southampton area.  With the help of many generous donors, we offer financial assistance to those who are homeless and destitute. Through our legal justice project we have access to advice from a leading immigration solicitor. We try to give asylum seekers a voice by reaching out to churches, schools and community groups and we campaign for a fairer asylum system. Find out more.

Read about 10 years of asylum in the UK

Find out about the history of SWVG

Read some client stories

Common myths about asylum

Recent asylum-related press cuttings

Cathedral Tower Tour

More than £700 was raised for SWVG from a tour of the tower of Winchester cathedral on Saturday February 18th. Click here for more details.

Sign the Refugee Council pledge

Sign to say that you are proud to protect refugees, to mark the 60th anniversary of the UN Refugee Convention, the international treaty which guarantees refugees’ rights.

The Refugee Council aims to get 10,000 people to sign the Pledge before presenting it to Parliament in March. If you would like to either sign the Pledge or find more information about the campaign please visit www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/protect

Key facts about SWVG

Download our latest Annual report

How can I donate to SWVG?

"This Is My Home Now" is a heritage lottery funded project sponsored by SWVG, celebrating some of the refugees who have settled in Southampton since 1939.  A book of their stories can be purchased from SWVG. www.myhomenow.org

Message from a past client:

“Thank you so very much for your love and support that you gave me all these years.  I hate to think what life would have been like if you hadn't come to my rescue.  Words can never describe what I want to say.”