Meet Natasha: Sanctuary Seekers Project

Natasha manages the Sanctuary Seekers Project at Citizens Advice Wandsworth, where she works alongside dedicated volunteers to support refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

Questions and answers

We asked Natasha about how the Sanctuary Seekers Project supports refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

Tell us a bit about your role and the Citizens Advice Wandsworth’s Sanctuary Seekers Project.

I am the manager of the Sanctuary Seekers project which means that I oversee two brilliant volunteers which we are lucky to have working on the project. I take on casework and deliver training sessions here and there to residents or partners in the Sanctuary VCS (Voluntary and Community Sector). I also attend outreach sessions where possible.

What inspired you to get involved in supporting people seeking sanctuary, and what do you enjoy most about your role with Citizens Advice Wandsworth?

I have always been drawn to helping people and using my skills where the need is highest. I believe refugees and people seeking sanctuary have so much to offer our society and deserve to feel safe and supported when they come to the UK. With scale-backs in legal aid and the strains on capacity for lots of charities, it is hard for people to get support with certain things. I feel privileged and grateful to be able to help and support those who have fled terrible situations find sanctuary and safety. I enjoy providing that little extra patience and kindness that makes the world of difference.

When someone first arrives in Wandsworth after seeking safety in the UK, what are some of the biggest challenges they face, and how does your team help them navigate those early steps?

The biggest challenges and barriers for someone entering the UK to seek safety are language and understanding systems. From knowing what a person can access (GP/Healthcare, Benefits, Housing Assistance via the Council, free Community events etc), to trying to access them when someone cannot speak English, to understanding how to access these things and how they work in practice, there is a lot that requires explanation and step by step advice which is where we come in to help!

For someone who might be struggling but isn't sure where to turn, how can they access support through Citizens Advice’s Sanctuary Seekers project, and what would you say to encourage them to reach out?

One of the best things about Wandsworth is the network of support between community services, the council and various charities. This means that it's highly likely an organisation that a sanctuary seeker is involved with will know of us and we will know them. We also have a website for enquires for Sanctuary Seekers and our general Adviceline advisers will link sanctuary seekers directly with our project internally too. I firmly believe there is no problem that cannot be made better, we are here to find those solutions and help support people follow them.

Is there a story, moment, or achievement from the project that has stayed with you and reminds you why this work matters?

There is no specific moment - for me it is the collective support provided to people from so many different walks of life that really hits home. To be able to assist people fleeing war, persecution, violence and displacement week in week out is what stays with me and what makes me proud and makes Citizens Advice Wandsworth proud to be part of the local community.