Our purpose

Building welcoming communities in Hampshire

 Rural Refugee Network is a local charity working alongside refugees, asylum seekers and local communities. Through our community support, people make connections, build essential skills and start to feel they belong. We provide practical, personalised support including English language learning, education and employment support, housing and community support, and programmes for young people who have arrived in the UK alone.

Our approach is developed with people rather than for them, underpinned by our theory of change that as refugees and asylum seekers build local connections, language and employability skills, confidence and stability, they can start to flourish and contribute to their community. As a result, we all help build stronger, more welcoming communities where everyone can thrive.

We are seeking landlords with apartments or houses available in Hampshire so we can help the government fulfil its commitment to bring the most vulnerable refugees to safety in the UK. Do please get in touch with us at hello@ruralrefugeenetwork.org

About RRN

Supporting refugees as they find their feet in our community
We build welcoming communities where people thrive

Formed in 2016 to take practical action in response to the global refugee crisis, RRN is now a thriving community supporting people settling here, for example through the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme and, since 2022, Ukrainian refugees.

This small, agile charity is a locally embedded practical presence providing community support. We help people to access education and training, to find a job, to learn English. We can also help with essentials such as clothing, IT equipment or furniture.

Our discreet projects respond to identified local needs, such as ESOL classes for Ukranian refugees and our Youth Discovery NEST which supports unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people.

Latest News

In July 2026, Youth Discovery Nest celebrated its successful two years working alongside young people in Portsmouth thanks to its dedicated team and 3-year funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. Find out all about it here.

RRN is delighted to be celebrating ten years in our community, with a special evening kindly hosted by Bedales school on 2nd October 2026. https://www.bedales.org.uk/whats-on/rural-refugee-network-10th-anniversary-celebrations

RRN was delighted to be selected for £1,000 match funding from Globals Make Some Noise through The Big Give Small Charities Week. Our special community of supporters came together to beat the target within days, providing much-needed funding to help refugees to find their feet in our community.

Please consider donating to help more refugees thrive in safety here:

If you are interested in getting involved please fill in the form below