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

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

Choose Compassion This Refugee Week

In a world often dominated by divisions, uncertainties, and barriers, it is within the depths of compassion that the light of humanity shines brightest. Within the intricate tapestry of human existence, the UK asylum system stands as a critical test of our collective...

Migration Chaos: The Forgotten Women

As another international women’s day passes, our thoughts turn to the desperate women arriving on our shores in small boats. Obviously the subject of small boat crossings continues to dominate in the media and in government, but so often all we hear is ‘fighting age young...

Dover Multicultural Festival 2023! – Book your stall NOW

Join us in coming together and celebrating our community’s rich cultural diversity. Through sharing and enjoying together, traditional food, music and activities, we can learn about the differences and similarities we all share. FREE ENTRY EVENT- Saturday 17th June 2023...

URGENT: Joint statement of concern from Samphire, RMT Dover, SEKTUC & Unite the Union

In light of the fact that St.Mary’s Church Dover is holding an open church day to commemorate the tragic loss of the Herald of Free Enterprise; Samphire and the Trades Council feel it is inappropriate to hold any kind of rally. We feel that we should show unmitigated...

“It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.” ~ Oscar Wilde.

Food for thought as we head into 2023 and it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguishbetween fact and fake news.Barely into the new year and already the headlines are filled with large, scary soundingfigures as we are told record...

Make Christmas Count – Christmas Appeal 2022

Every December, Samphire seeks to provide some additional support for ex-detainees and their families. For people who have experienced immigration detention, Christmas is a time when they can feel more marginalised and isolated than ever. People receiving asylum support,...

Community Conversations at Biggin Hall

Samphire are excited to be working with Future Foundry, other civil society organisations and statutory partners to hold an all-day event at Biggin Hall for Community Conversations so we can learn from local communities about what people need and want to bring Dover and...

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

 

2010

DDVG won South of England Mentoring and befriending recognition award

Family support and first drop in session held within DIRC

2011/12

Change of name to Samphire

Legal advice project started

 

2017

First Dover Multicultural festival

Community champion and Schools of Sanctuary project launched

 

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.