Demand for ICN’s services is increasing rapidly as a result of various situations around the world. Many global events, such as the recent situation in Afghanistan, have led to movement. This, along with the backlog of asylum seekers, has led to increased demand. To put this in perspective, in 2022 ICN supported around 700 refugees and asylum seekers. This has tripled to over 2,500 in 2025.

To manage this demand, our charity needs additional capacity across all our services. Our five main programme areas are:

1. Advice: filling in forms can be complicated for those who don’t speak English fluently and are unfamiliar with processes here in the UK. ICN provides practical advice to refugees and asylum seekers. We also give accredited immigration advice through our service registered with the IAA (Immigration Advice Authority).

2. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL): we offer newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers English lessons. We deliver classes out in the community.

3. Community Support including Women and Children: we’ve created opportunities for women and children to improve their literacy and overcome isolation. We enable women and children to resettle, including Afghan, Syrian and Ukrainian families. We also support asylum seekers in local, temporary accommodation with activities, essential items, advice and signposting.

4. Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC): ICN provides safety and support to children seeking asylum alone.

5. Resettlement: ICN is contracted by local authorities to support Afghan families on the Government resettlement schemes, and families who may come via the UKRS (UK Resettlement Scheme).

With increasing demand across all five programme areas, we need to maintain an essential new senior post, Director of Operations, with a remit that includes supporting the practical delivery of all five programmes as they grow rapidly. With more asylum seekers and refugees to support, we need to grow as a charity in response.

The rising demand shows no sign of slowing down, and therefore we estimate that we will need the additional capacity for at least four years.

Recent proposals from Government, combined with the hostile environment in the UK towards asylum seekers and refugees, means that never before have so many people been turning to ICN.

With your support, ICN can continue to provide reliable, high quality services to asylum seekers and refugees rebuilding their lives in Dorset.

Donations small and large are welcome on JustGiving as we seek to raise £209,400. Your support will make a real difference to the wellbeing of asylum seekers and refugees in Dorset.

Anonymous donations on JustGiving are welcome if you would prefer to donate in this way.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to set up a monthly donation to support ICN’s overall programmes, please visit: www.stewardship.org.uk/partners/20043525

Thank you for supporting asylum seekers and refugees in Dorset!