In an initiative planned jointly by Haslar Visitors Group and Tools for Self Reliance, a group of refugee and asylum-seeker volunteers attended a six week training scheme at the Netley Marsh workshops, where they learned alongside other regular Tools for Self Reliance volunteers. The group, comprising refugees and asylum-seekers from Palestine, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Algeria, followed a course including training on health and safety, tool refurbishment, and training on workshop equipment.

From the point of view of Haslar Visitors Group, the programme offered refugees and asylum-seekers a unique opportunity to give something back to the voluntary sector, whilst at the same time gaining valuable skills and improving their English. A further positive point is that these men can once again feel that their contribution is needed and valued by society.

Staff and volunteers at the Netley Marsh workshops commented that the visitors integrated well and did some very good work in various tasks including painting, general site work and tool refurbishing. “We enjoyed having them”, offered Jo.

At the end of the scheme, each of the volunteers received a certificate detailing the skills they had developed. It is hoped that this may be only the beginning of a long-term productive partnership between the two organisations.

For more information on the Haslar Visitors Group and their work, please visit their webpage: Haslar Visitors Group