When people arrive here under Government resettlement schemes - like Ukrainian people or those from Hong Kong - the Rural Refugee Network (RRN) helps to settle people in, with social activity and support; including teaching English and offering employment experience.

They work with many partners including East Hants District Council.

Kath Lawrence, from Petersfield, is a trustee of the RRN and tells Mike Waddington about their campaign to raise £1,000 which, with match funding, will make a big difference locally.

Next week, 16 to 22 June is National Refugee Week and at the end of that week the RRN has a fundraising drive which includes a performance by the Take Note Chamber Choir on 27 June - see Take Note Chamber Choir come to Petersfield | Petersfield's Shine Radio )

They are also appealing for volunteers who can help teach English language.

More at Rural Refugee Network

They recently presented at Petersfield Agencies Working Together network where they said:

• As of April 2025, approx. 420 guests/220 families in East Hants. This number has remained quite steady since late 2022 when most guests had arrived.
• Currently approx. 53 hosts still remaining in East Hants, this has decreased over the last year in particular as there has been a lot of work with Housing and Two Saints in moving families to independent living/private rent
• Since 2022, over 558 guests have arrived in East Hants in total
• East Hants is still third highest in Hampshire for number of families settling here across Hampshire
• UPE scheme opened in Feb 2025 and will offer guests an additional 18-month extension to their visas. Many guests will be applying between April-September 25 and so far, the application process has presented some challenges, but the guests have generally been able to overcome these with some support and many guests' visas have been approved well within the 8-week deadline by government.

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