Leeds volunteers head to isolated hotel to support new residents

This weekend, we were so happy to be able to take a large amount of clothes, food, games and other things to our new friends in this Leeds hotel. These guys have been cut off from the world for a while, as their location is remote. They have had a series of Covid lock downs. So it was great to see them come outside and play football, and chat with the volunteers and have a break.

As they have had so little contact, we took enough clothes for everyone and a pile of new underwear and socks. There have been issues with laundry, so the small things really count. We also took fruit and fruit juice following special requests for something healthy for a change.

Surprisingly, the most popular thing was the jigsaws. But being inside for months, something different to do becomes a big deal. It was also a wonderful surprise to meet a few people that we used to know from Calais. How brilliant to see them again in the UK.

This group have had it hard. The hotel is not great. It doesn’t have a proper kitchen (it’s only really a B&B) and there have been quite a few staff issues. But hopefully now, our Leeds volunteers can support them and start to make things a little easier.

To volunteer with us in the UK email [email protected].