Draft:HostNation

HostNation is a refugee befriending scheme refugee befriending scheme based in the UK. HostNation operates in Greater London, Greater Manchester, Newcastle and Gateshead. As of 2024 the scheme had matched more than 850 refugees and asylum seekers in the UK with locals. The charity is described as a refugee befriending charity who help find social opportunities and matches up refugees and asylum seekers with people living in the area.

Aims
HostNation’s main objective is defined by the Charity Commission for England and Wales as the promotion of social inclusion for the public benefit among those who are refugees, asylum seekers or migrants who are socially excluded.

The aim of the charity is to operate as a befriending service that offers friendship, social opportunities, community connection and support in order to address social isolation amongst asylum seekers and refugees.

History
HostNation was founded in 2017 and they became a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales in 2018.

Founder, Anneke Elwes, was experienced in befriending refugees through volunteering for Freedom from Torture. HostNation has been featured in Nigel Praities podcast series ‘A Friend Indeed’ (A Broken Arms production) and Jaz O'Hara’s Asylum Speakers podcast episode 5: A New Home. Further interviews and features about HostNation have taken place on ITV Tyne Tees, Manchester Evening News, and Channel 5 (British TV channel).