Behind Humanity Hotel

In April 2022 the UK Home Office announced a new ‘Full Dispersal’ policy. This meant that all local authorities across England, Scotland and Wales became host to people seeking asylum, whether or not they were equipped to do so.  

In May 2022 Trigger began supporting a group of asylum seekers newly housed in North Somerset hotels.  

One year on, Humanity Hotel has become a responsive, collaborative initiative developed alongside those it is intended to support.  

In October last year we prompted an investigation by Stagecoach into incidents of their drivers refusing to pick up refugees – this has now been picked up as a case by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.  

The incredible generosity of donors to our October Crowdfunder has allowed us to introduce a regular programme of creative and cultural workshops for the hotel residents. 

Asylum seekers in the UK currently face long periods of waiting, with no option to work. This can be hugely detrimental to their mental health and overall wellbeing, particularly if they are housed in communities not equipped to support them.  

Our programme intends to support the wellbeing of those seeking asylum through providing engaging opportunities for creative expression, connection and the means to independently navigate their new lives.  

We want North Somerset to be an example of creative, adaptive community building; a place that displaced people can seek sanctuary and be welcomed.  

Read more about this project, and find out how you can offer support below.