The Hope Exchange — Practical Support. Shared by people who care.

Help a child

starting school.

Refugee and asylum seeking children have their school places. You can provide the practical items that let them walk in and join the day. Show UK cares and give today.

Why these small things matter

A school place doesn't automatically mean a child can take part. Some children supported by Migrant Help walk up to 45 minutes to school, often in shoes that don't fit. The result? Blisters, and struggling to concentrate in class.

Without the right shoes, uniform or equipment, they can find themselves sitting out PE, missing activities or standing out for all the wrong reasons. Your gift removes one of those barriers.

This issue — the main story

The moment a child stopped being scared of school — and started looking forward to Mondays

SEEN THIS WEEK

A GP in Norwich. A football coach in Glasgow. A baker in Bristol. Stories the news didn't cover.

THE WELCOME LIST

One small, specific thing you can do this fortnight. No pressure — just an open door.

Why this newsletter exists

Most people care.
This is for them.

Turn on the news and it can feel like the country has made up its mind about refugees and asylum seekers. It hasn't. Research consistently shows that most people in the UK believe in fairness, decency, and giving people a genuine chance.

Hope & Belonging is those stories. Fortnightly, from Migrant Help — a charity supporting people to find safety and rebuild their lives since 1963.

No outrage. No complexity. Just the kind of reading that leaves you feeling clearer, not heavier.

What's in every issue

01

A story worth keeping

One person's journey — told with care, written with dignity, and ending somewhere hopeful.

02

Seen This Week

Two or three brief dispatches of quiet welcome from around the country.

03

The Welcome List

One practical, specific thing you can do if you'd like to help.

04

What your support made possible

A short note from frontline teams about the difference readers make.

60+

years of practical support across the UK

8 in 10

UK adults say everyone deserves dignity and respect

Free

always — no subscription, no catch

"When my mother's shawl is wrapped around me, I no longer feel alone — I feel her warmth and her presence with me."

Madiha, who came to the UK from Pakistan. Her story appeared in Issue 3.

The Ready for School Checklist

A school place is only the first step. These are the practical items that help a child attend, take part and settle in.

Nursery

Wellies £12
Raincoat £15
Water bottle £4
Small rucksack £10
Spare clothes for messy play £10
Nursery Outdoor Set £31 Wellies £12, raincoat £15 and water bottle £4

Primary

School shoes £20
Uniform basics £25
PE pumps £5
Rucksack £10
Water bottle £4
Raincoat + umbrella £23
Stationery set £7
Primary School Starter Set £60 School shoes £20, uniform basics £25, PE pumps £5 and rucksack £10

Secondary

Blazer £45
School shoes £20
PE basics £30
Scientific calculator £16
Daily equipment set £25
Rucksack £10
Secondary Uniform Set £105 Blazer £45, shirts and trousers or skirt £40, and school shoes £20

Why these items matter: children from families supported by Migrant Help often walk up to 45 minutes to school from temporary accommodation. Some schools check equipment every day, and children can be marked down for missing basics their family cannot afford. Without the right kit, children sit out PE and forest school. The items on this list are what let a child walk in and join the day.

The hard part is already being done

The families supported by Migrant Help are doing everything they can.

One father, reunited with his wife and daughters after years apart, rode the bus with his nervous daughter every morning until she knew the route, then drew her a map of every stop so she could do it alone.

Frontline caseworkers helped with the school applications, the uniforms and the bus map. What they need is what the items on this page provide: the practical basics families cannot afford while they wait for the right to work.The courage of people seeking safety as they rebuild their lives. The courage to start again, navigate unfamiliar systems, learn new languages and hold on to hope.

We're also celebrating the courage of those who choose welcome, kindness and community in the face of division.

By giving through the Hope Exchange, you can put those values into action.

A school uniform. A pair of shoes. Pens and pencils.

Simple, practical things that help children going into school not feel excluded.

How It Works

Simple, practical support that helps people feel safe, settled and part of a community again.

1

Needs are identified

Our frontline teams work closely with people as they rebuild their lives, recognising the small, practical things that can restore stability, dignity and a sense of hope.

2

You choose how to help

You can step in with something simple — like food, travel or school essentials — and help someone feel settled, supported and able to move forward.

3

Support is delivered quickly

Once a need is met, our team provides support directly — turning your action into something real and helping someone take their next step.

You're part of a growing group of caring people choosing to offer practical help and a sense of welcome.

Across the UK, people are taking small actions that help others feel safe, settled and part of a community again.

Success Stories

Recently completed projects thanks to you

Funded

2 days ago

Winter Coat for School

'My daughter can now walk to school comfortably. Thank you so much!'

Funded

5 days ago

Newborn Essentials Bag

'The baby is healthy and the supplies are wonderful. We are so grateful.'

Funded

1 week ago

ESOL Level 1 Textbook

'Now I can study and learn English faster. This means the world to me.'

Funded

1 week ago

Household Safety Gates

'Thank you for keeping my toddler safe in our new apartment.'

Give where it’s needed most

Every item on this page reflects a real, immediate need identified by our frontline teams. They work alonside people as they rebuild their lives and listen to their stories, so they can provide support.

Once a need is met, our team provides support directly and in partnership with local charities. Turning your action into something real and helping someone take their next step.

If you’d prefer to give without choosing a specific item, you can do that too.