Asylum Welcome celebrated its milestone anniversary with an event at St Clement’s Family Centre in Oxford on Thursday, September 10, bringing together clients, volunteers, staff and supporters.
The evening began with Kurdish singing and drumming before joint CEOs Hari and Sarah welcomed attendees and reflected on the charity’s journey.
Tony Samuel, co-chair of Asylum Welcome, said: “It was fantastic to see so many supporters there – and so many highlights. It really was a memorable evening.”
A new film about the charity, created pro bono by filmmaker Tim Hand, was premiered on the night.
At the heart of the evening was a ‘Human Timeline,’ highlighting key moments and individuals from the charity’s history, including founder Diana Tickell and Alasdair MacKenzie KC, who campaigned against the Campsfield detention centre in 1993.
The timeline featured personal stories from former clients and volunteers, including a former client who arrived from Afghanistan and was later reunited with his family.
A volunteer also recalled welcoming Syrian families to Oxford and witnessing the formation of new friendships and communities.
The evening also included a buffet prepared by Integrate Community CIC, pastries donated by Hamblin Bread, a display from the charity’s archives, and a birthday cake made by volunteers Tommy and Betty.
The formal AGM also marked the beginning of “a new chapter for the Board of Trustees”, as newly elected trustees formally took up their roles.
Asylum Welcome began as a small organisation and has grown into a regional charity offering practical support, advice and advocacy across Oxfordshire.
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