Church Cafe Provides Vital Support to Asylum Seekers in Crewe

Pastor Phil Howell, along with his wife Emma, initiated Hope Cafe in 2018 to assist asylum seekers residing in Crewe, Cheshire. He stated, “We’re able to help them walk through some of the darkest places of their lives, hopefully to where they can get beyond that. That’s priceless.” Operating from Hope Church, the drop-in sessions run by the couple have provided assistance to approximately 800 to 900 individuals seeking refuge in the UK. Mr. Howell recounted numerous “heartbreaking” conversations with individuals who shared their experiences of escaping conflict and persecution in countries such as Syria, Iraq, Sudan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Ethiopia. He emphasized, “They have not left their homes because they wanted to – it’s not on a whim.” Many, he noted, “have left careers, homes they built themselves and families who many won’t get to see for another four or five years.” While these individuals endure daily hurt and pain, Mr. Howell observed that these emotions frequently intensify during Christmas, a time when some are separated from their families. He mentioned that even though some asylum seekers do not observe Christmas, all received gifts such as hats, scarves, gloves, and toys for those with children. He further stated, “Some of the parents have sent me cute videos of their children who obviously went home and opened their presents straight away.” “It is good to know they’ve been looked after and cared for this Christmas,” he concluded. The cafe operates at the church every Monday and Wednesday, attracting over 100 weekly visitors who collect donated items such as clothes and food. Beyond providing material aid, Mr. Howell highlighted that the cafe also serves as a social hub for asylum seekers, distinct from their living quarters. He described it as, “It’s a place they can come and know they’re welcome, cared about and valued just for who they are.” He added, “Irrespective of where they come from or their religion, they get a genuine, warm welcome.” Mr. Howell encouraged individuals in the UK to extend compassion to asylum seekers, suggesting they engage in conversations to understand their circumstances, an experience he personally found both humbling and enriching. Mr. Howell stated, “I’ve found it one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done and a lot of the people who come, volunteer and see it actually feel the same.” He also noted that the impact the cafe has had on its users has been “incredible,” leading to many becoming his friends. He concluded, “They love it – they come back and they say ‘this is our home, this is where we like to be’.”