Pastor Phil Howell has been supporting asylum seekers in Crewe, Cheshire, since 2018 when he and his wife Emma founded Hope Cafe. Located at Hope Church, their drop-in sessions have assisted nearly 800 to 900 individuals seeking refuge in the UK.

Mr. Howell shared that many of the people he has spoken with have endured heartbreaking stories of fleeing conflict and persecution in countries such as Syria, Iraq, Sudan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Ethiopia. He emphasized that leaving their homes wasn’t a choice but a necessity, with many giving up careers, homes, and families they may not see again for years.

The emotional toll of their experiences is often heightened during Christmas, a time when many are unable to be with loved ones. Although not all celebrate the holiday, everyone receives gifts such as hats, scarves, gloves, and toys for children. Mr. Howell fondly recalled receiving touching videos from parents showing their children excitedly opening their presents. “It’s comforting to know they’ve been cared for during Christmas,” he said.

The cafe operates on Mondays and Wednesdays, with over 100 people visiting each week to collect donated food and clothes. Beyond material support, the cafe also offers a space for asylum seekers to socialize outside their accommodations. Mr. Howell explained, “It’s a place where they know they’re welcomed, valued, and cared for—no matter where they’re from or what their religion is.”

He encouraged people in the UK to show kindness and empathy to asylum seekers, to take the time to talk with them and learn about their experiences. Mr. Howell described his work as incredibly rewarding, noting that it has been both humbling and enriching. Many who visit the cafe, including volunteers, share this sentiment.

“The impact on those who come has been remarkable,” he said, adding that many have become his close friends. “They often tell me, ‘This is our home, this is where we feel comfortable.’”