Hosting a refugee family

[PeacheyPeach]

If we were to open our home to a family what will we need to buy for them
We have a lounge that could be split into two so they could use as a bedroom and living room.
What would you suggest we get to hopefully make whoever we have to stay, feel safe, at home and comfy?

Anyone!!??

I think they need a bedroom. So, bedroom furniture. If you mean a downstairs living room and a blow-up bed, that won’t be suitable. Would the room be entirely theirs?

Would they have to share your kitchen and bathroom? I can see tensions arising if that is the case.

I was thinking that the back part of the living room could act as a bedroom and the front part could be their living room area ( it is a long room with windows either end) . Would put lock on the door for their privacy, but yes would have to share kitchen and bathroom x

@Whatdramain2022

Would they have to share your kitchen and bathroom? I can see tensions arising if that is the case.

Most people offering accommodation will be sharing kitchen and bathroom - that’s normal.

I was thinking of putting a fridge in the room aswell, would this work? so that if they didn't want to use our fridge but then I don't want them to think that they couldn't use ours?

Where will your living room be? Can you afford minor building work? Doesn't sound particularly practical to me, just sounds cramped.

I'm hoping that the fact they would have a living room area of their own it wouldn't feel so cramped. My dc not having to give up their bedroom space either.
We have another living room area that we use so we would still have our own space. I'm more concerned that we can give whoever comes to stay the dignity and privacy that they need,

I think there are already thousands signed up to do it so I wouldn’t buy anything yet.

Are you expecting to host them, or are they house sharing? In the former, are you expected to provide all the food etc, whilst in the second, they cook their own meals? This may affect what you need to provide.

I think this would be a lovely set up somebody - many people have studio apartments. I lived in London for a while she can almost guarantee I had much less space. I think it's really nice if you to be thinking of making people so comfortable and they will be really grateful - I'm sure more will be offering a spare room not thinking about living space etc xxx

If you were interested in hosting a refugee family and went via a charity such as Refugees at Home then they're likely to give you significant support to ensure success. I'd start with the guides on their website and go from there.

Will take a look at that thank you 😊

Just want whoever we have staying with us that they feel safe, and we don't get into their personal space to much considering what they will be going through

I might be overthinking all of this, but say we had a mum and perhaps two children would I need to provide lots of clothes storage or would one wardrobe and a set of drawers be ok? Also would it best to have double bed for adult x

@PeacheyPeach

I'm hoping that the fact they would have a living room area of their own it wouldn't feel so cramped. My dc not having to give up their bedroom space either. We have another living room area that we use so we would still have our own space. I'm more concerned that we can give whoever comes to stay the dignity and privacy that they need,

I think people fleeing war will be very pleased with your set up, it sounds a large room. The UK houses many families permanently in far worse situations.

I would not buy too much at the outset as it is all rather overwhelming. I think bedding, basic toiletries, food and privacy will be enough for the first few days.

When I was in a bedsit I had a small fridge, kettle and microwave which gave the option of not having to go to the main kitchen. You could consider this.

@PeacheyPeach

I might be overthinking all of this, but say we had a mum and perhaps two children would I need to provide lots of clothes storage or would one wardrobe and a set of drawers be ok? Also would it best to have double bed for adult x

Better to have a single bed for the adult and then there is more space.

Also do not buy too much yet, they will not bring much stuff.

I know someone who has refugees regularly and they are always very shellshocked at the start, just give them space and nourishment at first.

I would think whatever charity is arranging this would have advice on what to provide.

• I'd find out their language and make a banner saying welcome (in their language) for when they arrive
• learn the basics of THEIR language (even if they speak some English)- hello, welcome, yes, no, thank you etc
• Check that you have an interpreting app on your phone in the language, so more complex conversations can be understood
• As a minimum, I'd provide some basic toiletries- tooth brushes, paste, sanitary products, soap, shampoo, brushes etc.

I wouldn’t rush out to buy stuff but Govt are asking people to provide accommodation for 6 months so be sure you’re happy to have your living room used like you propose for 6 months minimum.
Minimum for bedrooms: duvets, pillows, extra blankets.sheets, pillowcases. Hot water bottles or electric blanket or heated throw. Highly distressed people often feel cold.
2 x bath towels, 2 x hand towels minimum per person.
Hairdryer.
Clothes storage — wardrobe or hanging rack, drawers. Access to washing machine, dryer.
Set of toiletries per person. Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, comb, soap, shower gel, flannels, shampoo, conditioner. Deodorant.
Children’s versions.
For children colouring books, pens, pencils, felt tips, cuddly toys, picture books.
TV with DVDs or access to various kids channels ( good distraction, can be calming as moving wallpaper)
And then when settled in choice of what they eat and when, access to drinks, own cupboard for crockery, food etc.. maybe depending on how you decide to go forward.

if it's one bedroom space, i don't think you could accommodate more than a mother and one small child, or possibly two adults, sisters maybe, or a grown up mother and daughter.
bear in mind that they may want to share your living space; a woman on the radio today said she found herself spending long periods in her bedroom to get some time to herself, she hosted an asylum seeker.
a ukrainian person suggested googling ukrainian club near me, to find people who need hosts. he was concerned at lack of checks.

Thank you everyone for the fab pointers. That's a great idea about the packs made up with personal hygiene products toothbrushes etc.
Yes looking at the room I'm thinking it could probably house maybe a mum and child or mum and 2 small children. Otherwise for them it's just going to be to cramped.

I'm thinking maybe in the living room area I could make like a kitchenette type thing for them, worktop with fridge underneath and a microwave amd kettle and a cupboard with crockery but let them know that the kitchen is theirs to access aswell.

They're obviously going to need a bed, chest or drawers, wardrobe (could be a fabric one), somewhere to sit and a small table could be handy for working at, putting things on. If you have room for a small fridge, that's great - it'll relieve the pressure on your own fridge.

Many will have to share kitchen and bathroom facilities, so I wouldn't worry about lack of ones for their own use.

They'll obviously need a quilt, covers, pillows, towels. If money is getting tight after providing above, don't forget they'll be in receipt of state benefits so can buy extra towels, bedding. If you can, a small box of essential toiletries to start them off - shower gel, shampoo, toothbruth, toothpaste, deordrant, pack of sanitary protection if a lady is coming, as well as a couple of treats - biscuits and chocolate and perhaps some fruit. There's not an expectation to provide food for whoever, but I'd expect this to happen for a few days until they receive benefit and have had chance to adjust and find out were local shops are.

You are being very thoughtful, yes a worktop, kettle, microwave if you have space and the money.