The CHAT (Care and Hospitality at Thornbury) Project had two elements; CHAT Phoenix House and CHAT English Club. Beacon was created with an emphasis on hospitality at Phoenix House, the tribunal court where asylum cases were heard, but sadly we are no longer able to be there, due to changes since Covid. CHAT works to support those seeking asylum both at their hearing and to help people improve their language skills and tackle isolation.
McKenzie Friends
A McKenzie Friend is a member of the public, without legal training, who assists an appellant when they have no legal representative, at a time that is often bewildering and full of anxiety. A McKenzie Friend is a volunteer, independent of the court system and the Home Office.
BEACON Hosting
BEACON’s Hosting Project recruits, trains and supports volunteer hosts to provide a home to destitute refused asylum seekers. Hosting provides guests with a secure, supportive environment in which they have the opportunity to gather fresh evidence in order to submit an asylum claim.