Work at the hotel has grown since Christmas as more families receive leave to remain and need support with moving on to the next stage in their journey. Over half are choosing to stay in Chichester – not just because they like the area, but because they feel genuinely supported, their children are settled in schools, and many have found volunteering or paid work. This is a testament to the welcoming community we’ve built together.

We continue to run English lessons and children’s activities, as well as providing essentials like clothing and toiletries. The asylum support team has had a particularly tough few months, dealing with complex cases and appeals while also helping people with leave to remain move into longer-term accommodation. Most are first placed in hotels before being moved into housing, and we’re there to support them every step of the way, from navigating the bureaucracy to helping with the move, we make sure they have what they need whilst guiding them towards independence.

James Field – Asylum Hotel Support Coordinator