Asylum Seeker Wellbeing Cafes
At the Garden House, we often come across refugees who are homeless in the city and have severe mental health needs but didn’t receive the required help whilst in Asylum Accommodation. It is much easier to start someone’s journey of dealing with their trauma whilst they are in accommodation than on the streets.
Therefore, we’re delighted to be working with St Mary’s Church and the Quaker Meeting House to facilitate ‘Health and Wellbeing Cafes’ for Asylum Seekers. As many Asylum Seekers have suffered traumas and are new to the country, quite a few haven’t integrated into the community yet. These cafe sessions provide the opportunity to join a supportive and welcoming community, in a safe environment. It also helps with their mental wellbeing to cope better with their trauma and past experiences, and begin to deal with these. We can signpost further health support if required during the sessions as well.
“We had a very successful cafe this afternoon. 14 came up initially and a few more joined later. A few groups soon developed and there a real buzz quickly emerged. We put on some fun and games which generated smiles and laughter – it was great to see. There were lots of listening to harrowing tales too as well as lots left unsaid – perhaps too shocking to be shared. It seemed to have been a genuinely appreciated event and on our side, it was a real privilege to provide a warm reception, a listening ear, and be a friendly face. Can’t wait till next time.” – Cafe volunteer
Those who attend the cafes can have tea, coffee, biscuits and other refreshments, chat and make new friends, take part in fun activities and games, as well as practise English. To support the volunteers at each location, Street Chaplains join in and provide a friendly chat when needed.
Abdi’s story
Abdi is one of many people we have supported in our Asylum Seeker Wellbeing Cafes so far. He has now moved onto pastures new but before he left Peterborough, he wrote a lovely message regarding the support he received.
“As I prepare to leave Peterborough and begin a new chapter in Newark-on-Trent, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude and say farewell to the people who have made such a meaningful difference in my life.
I will always remember on 15th April 2026 when Sarah first contacted and introduced me to the Asylum Seeker Wellbeing Café. At that time, I was new to the United Kingdom, facing uncertainty, carrying many worries and trying to find my place in an unfamiliar world. I could never have imagined how important that first invitation would become.
I will also always remember the kindness shown by Andrew and St Mary’s Church. During a period when I was struggling with basic necessities, your compassion reminded me that even in difficult times, there are people who genuinely care about others.
Light Project Peterborough became far more than a service or a meeting place. It became a source of hope, friendship and belonging during a time when I needed those things most. Through the Asylum Seeker Wellbeing Cafés, I found encouragement when I felt uncertain, human connection when I felt alone, and confidence when I needed strength to keep moving forward.
. The confidence I gained through your support gave me the courage to seek help, engage with services and continue rebuilding my future. Because of that encouragement, I was able to connect with organisations including the British Red Cross, RAMA HOPE Project, NHS services and the National Referral Mechanism, all of which have played an important role in my journey.
Although challenges remain, I now look towards the future with hope. My dream is to continue my education, develop my skills in Computer Science, Software Engineering, IT and Graphic Design, become independent, contribute positively to society and one day support both my family and others who may face difficulties similar to those I have experienced.
Peterborough is not the place where I was born, but it will always be one of the places that helped me begin again. It is where I met people whose kindness I will never forget and where I rediscovered hope during one of the most difficult chapters of my life.”
Abdi is now looking to volunteer at a charity in Newark and Sarah (Street Chaplain Co-Ordinator) has provided a reference to help him to secure this opportunity. We all wish Abdi well for the future.
