Telford Together
with refugees
Rooted in welcome, growing with courage.
Here you are safe, seen, and never alone.
Rooted in Telford
Who we are
Telford Together with Refugees is a small charity (unincorporated charitable association) constituted in January 2025. We are a fully voluntary organisation, operating from community venues across the borough of Telford & Wrekin. We work in collaboration with other local organisations, including Shropshire Supports Refugees.
Our people
We are guided by a dedicated Board of Trustees and supported by a wide network of volunteers and friends. Together we form a community of welcome, ensuring that every person who arrives in Telford finds a place of safety, dignity, and hope. All our work is powered by volunteers – no paid staff, just heart.
Five pillars of support
Essentials
Help with a change of clothes, shoes, coats and basic SIM card, all from donated items.
Learning
Access to ESOL English classes and basic skills for life in the UK for those without other education opportunities.
Sports & exercise
Opportunity to keep body and mind active, promoting wellness and fitness.
Wellbeing activities
Creative and social opportunities to promote wellbeing and community engagement.
Advocacy & Assistance
Helping those who need a helping hand at times of great need.
Meet the Team
Anna Halliday
Having held leadership management roles across education, Anna is passionate about bringing people together to generate community cohesion and strength through diversity.
Chris Ashley
With a depth of expertise through his professional background in social work, mental health, and community support, Chris is a dedicated advocate for refugees and asylum seekers within our local area.
Claire Dempsey
Claire has extensive expertise and a passion for the mentoring and coaching of young adults, drawing on 20 years experience of lecturing in post-compulsory and adult education. Claire has taken the lead on various voluntary and community based initiatives, including setting up Read Easy Telford and Shropshire East in 2019. Claire is passionate about seeing young and old thrive in their communities.
Martina Boshell
Martina has over 20 years experience working within education social care and community development.Additionally she has extensive expertise working with mental health and well being with many vulnerable groups.she is passionately committed to changing people's perspectives about Refugees and Asylum Seekers.
Neil Halliday
Neil has taught English for over 30 years and is committed to advancing academic opportunities for all people.
Pat McCarthy
Pat brings energy and good humour to his activities as well as a wealth of experience as a campaigner and environmental activist.
Saran Cliff
With experience as a business owner and developer, Saran brings an entrepreneurial energy and innovative flare to all that she does.
Simon Lellow
Simon has a wealth of experience in supporting some of the most vulnerable in our community. He is warm-hearted and generous in his approachand wonderfully well-connected.
All trustees are volunteers, each leading a pillar with a pool of dedicated volunteers.
Your help matters
Whether you can volunteer, donate goods, or offer your time, you become part of our welcome.
What our community says