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

SWVG at House of Lords

'Investing in the Future' - an independent report about SWVG funded by the Bromley Trust will be launched later this year in the House of Lords.  The Bromley Trust was so impressed with the report that they have allocated £5,000 to help us disseminate its findings, starting with this prestigious event. Click here for details.

Wessex GPs focus on Asylum

A Southampton GP, a doctor from Freedom from Torture and an SWVG visitor discuss the medical and psychological needs of people seeking asylum. You can read their articles in the Royal College of General Practitioners' April e-bulletin which is distributed to doctors in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Dorset, Wiltshire and the Channel Islands.

Key facts about SWVG

Download our latest Annual report

How can I donate to SWVG?

James completes Manchester marathon

Member James Thomas has raised over £710 for SWVG. He battled through wind and rain to complete the 26 miles in 3h 45m.

Well done James.

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.”