The Beginning

What could a small village on Dartmoor do to help asylum seekers and refugees?

That was the question Claire, a local resident, asked Julia, as they sat on a Dartmoor Tor, overlooking the moorland town of Chagford.  Julia, (who had worked in Iraq and was currently acting as an expert witness for asylum seekers) remarked that the landscape reminded her of Iraq. As some of her clients came from rural areas, she felt they would love to visit.  That comment sparked the idea: “Could we do something in Chagford to help the plight of destitute asylum seekers?”​

Breaking Barriers, Opening Doors

In 2018 a group of friends partnered with Bristol Hospitality Network (BHN)  and created Chagford Hospitality Network (CHN). 

With the support of host homes and helpers in the village community, they welcomed 16 asylum seekers from Bristol. This has become a successful annual event, with only a break during the Covid pandemic.

The 6-day holiday includes daily activities offered by local volunteers: a guided walk on Dartmoor, volunteering at a local organic market garden, pottery and craft sessions, swimming, yoga, meditation, an outing to the seaside, playing sports and music with the local community. The holiday contains all the ingredients of a great break, away from the stress, anxiety and unknown elements of being an asylum seeker in a hectic urban environment.

“I was stressed before I went; I came back refreshed and enjoyed the quieter, fresher  environment”
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“ First of all it was fantastic, I was not expecting that I can have that amount of quality time.  It was very good holiday, best I have ever had”

“I enjoyed that everyday was different”

From  CHN guests

The asylum seekers come from diverse countries and regions, including Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Kurdistan, Egypt Lebanon, Syria, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Somalia, Sudan, Cameroon, Zambia, Gambia, Kenya, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and South America.

Events to raise awareness and funds include:

The Lent Soup Lunch, The Dovetail Orchestra concert, a friendly football match between Chagford  ‘Lads and Dads’ & ‘Bristol All Stars,’ the Global Feast, and the festive Christmas Coffee Morning.