Connect with a local

Having local friends is a big help when you are setting down in a new country. They can tell you how the systems work, where services and facilities are, or tips about everyday life. They can also introduce you to other people in the area, and invite you to local activities and outings.

Across the country, there are many people who are eager to get to know you. They are volunteers from churches who want to help you to get settled in your new home. They would love to meet you face to face or are happy to speak to you on the phone, on video call, or whatever is best for you. These volunteers can help you meet new people, and help you with practical things, like registering with a doctor or helping your children find a school.

Click here to meet local people at a church near you*.

*This referral service is for refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK. Friends from all faith traditions (and none) are welcomed.
There is no requirement to attend church services if you would like to be connected to a church.

Local churches: who are they and what do they do?

Church communities in the UK meet together regularly but they vary in style, traditions and activities. You will find that even the buildings they meet in look very different: some are traditional-looking churches, some are modern, and some meet in a community hall or a school building. 

They usually gather on Sundays to worship, pray and learn about growing in the Christian faith. They also often meet on weekdays in smaller groups for different activities too. Every church has its own activities but these can include:

  • Reading the bible and praying together

  • Social activities (like mums and toddlers groups where young children can play and parents can chat and relax; or language cafes where people from different nationalities chat and practise their English)

  • Taking care of people in need (like organising food banks to provide people with emergency food supplies, or support groups for people who find life difficult, etc)

  • Going round to each other’s houses and having meals together

They also welcome and support everyone. In the UK, thousands of churches have signed up to the Welcome Network to welcome refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants from any nation and background. You don’t have to be a Christian to join them - everyone is welcome! Find a Welcome Network church near you and see what activities they have on offer to help you to make friends and settle in the UK.

 We hope this website is helpful to you as you settle in the UK. But there is no substitute for having a local friend to make you feel welcome.