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

We are leaving our Castle Street Office

After around a decade (none of us could really tell exactly how long it has been) due to financial pressures we sadly have had to leave our Castle Street offices. Thank you for your support over the years. Samphire will be carrying on its good work as always, but to ensure...

Dover Multicultural Festival 2024

Well, if you weren’t at the Dover Multicultural Festival 2024, you missed out on the most extraordinary celebration this side of the English Channel! Picture this; a day where an eclectic mix of music played while children balanced on stilts, all in the shadow of a...

The Post-Detention Support Project volunteer caseworkers

The UK is the only country in Europe where it is permitted to hold people in immigration detention for an indefinite amount of time. People are held in immigration removal centres, or in prison, without being told when they will be released. This is not decided on by the...

“My Home, My Voice” – Post Detention Support Conference 2024

Save the Date!   Samphire's Post Detention Support Conference 2024 is on the 13th of June! If you are from an organisation, please RSVP your details at https://forms.gle/4HRk6krgLQFFph9DA If you are a client of the project, please RSVP via...

A Big Thank You to All Our Funders!

A Big Thank You to all our Funders I’m now able to share with you the exciting news that the National Lottery Reaching Communities fund has agreed to extent Samphire’s grant funding for another 3 years.  The National Lottery are Samphire’s biggest...

Statement against the plans to increase the minimum income requirement for family visas

This is a statement on behalf of the whole of Samphire, it is made with deep concern and frustration regarding recent changes to the immigration policies that directly impact the fundamental human right to have a family. The decision by our government to increase the...

Press Release – Deal Winter Lights Parade

Deal Pier Winter Lights Lantern Procession On Friday 15 December, Deal Pier was lit up with a beautiful lantern parade organised by local human rights charity Samphire in partnership with Deal Town Council and local school children. The event began at the entrance to the...

The Right to Work is a Human Right

In an era of multiple, overlapping national crises, the theme of tightening the boot straps and cutting costs wherever possible runs deeply through much of the country. Unsurprising then, that the conversation around asylum support remains firmly at the top of the agenda....

The Class Divide: A Tale of Two Tragedies

In a world that has seemingly become divided by class, where the plight of the marginalised is often overshadowed by the glamour of the wealthy, it is crucial to shed light on the stark contrast between the rescue efforts and media coverage surrounding the Greek refugee...

Join Our Trustee Board for 2023/2024!

To apply or for more info email: info@samphireproject.org.uk

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.