Welcome to SAMPHIRE
Working to create a society which is inclusive and compassionate towards migrants.
About Us
The charity has both a national remit and a local one. Nationally, our Ex-detainee Project provides support and advice via a Freephone helpline 0800 9179397, open five days a week.
Locally, in Dover, Samphire runs a community engagement project working with migrant and British communities to improve social cohesion, and better inclusion of migrants into Dover and surrounding areas of Kent .
Our Mission
to improve the lives of people released from immigration detention and experiencing destitution in the UK, and to support the development of well-informed, cohesive and diverse communities in the Dover area and beyond.
Our Projects
Post detention Support Project
The Post Detention Support Project strives to bring about positive social change for ex-detainees and the communities that they are released into, nationwide. The Project alleviates destitution and provides emotional and practical support to people in crisis via our five days a week telephone helpline. We advise, enable and empower our ex-detainees along with working closely with our partner organisations to help influence the wider debate.
School of Sanctuary Kent
Samphire’s Kent Schools of Sanctuary Project seeks to raise awareness amongst schools pupils on issues surrounding migration, asylum and refuge. We deliver educational workshops and support schools to achieve Schools of Sanctuary recognition, as part of our partnership with the City of Sanctuary movement . This project includes learning, embedding and sharing.
dover Together & inclusion Project
Dover Together– Dover Together brings together local residents to discuss ideas and organise local events which draw together the diverse cultures of Dover and support community cohesion. Volunteers have organised a number of local events including Samphire’s second Multicultural Festival. The project has also helped facilitate a weekly social hub in the Folkestone Road area of Dover, predominantly attended by members of the Roma community.
Samphire's Legal Project
Samphire’s Legal Project – Since May 2019 the project is being delivered in cooperation with Dover and Deal District and Thanet Citizens Advice Bureau.
People can get advice on immigration matters falling under OISC Levels 1& 2 (Please note, we cannot assist in immigration appeals).
Latest News
Milestones
2002
Dover Detainee Visitors Group launched
2008
Ex-detainee project launched
Over 700 detainees regularly visited by trained volunteers
2009
First ex-detainee conference held in Dover
Community awareness raising project begun
2011/12
Change of name to Samphire
2017
First Dover Multicultural festival
Schools of Sanctuary project launched
2019
Legal Project providing free immigration advice launched, collaboration with Citizens Advice started
Fundraising
Fundraise for Samphire!
We are a small charity with no dedicated paid fundraising staff. Your time, skill and most of all- enthusiasm is crucial to help us raise much needed funds for our projects.
Get Involved
Would you like to volunteer for Samphire?
Samphire is always on the lookout to recruit new volunteers so please apply.
Donate
Every donation to Samphire makes a difference to an individual life. Our Emergency Support Fund supports ex-detainees who find themselves without any support, often homeless and without money for food.
We also raise funds for our local community activities.
