We are going to run an in-person conference in Newtownabbey, partnering with Mission Action Partnership (MAP) on 18 April 2026 (Saturday). There will be seminars and speakers on topics such as giving an intentional welcome as a church, Intercultural Churches, churches running English classes, working with children and young people seeking asylum and much more. We hope to see you there!
Help refugees in Northern Ireland find their Welcome!
Speak to Joanna Caskey who represents Northern Ireland on the Welcome Churches team (tel: 7745 381925) or email joanna.caskey@welcomechurches.org. She will be happy to help with your church’s needs.
Regional Need
The Welcome Churches team includes a dedicated Northern Ireland Coordinator to support Northern Ireland churches to welcome refugees and those seeking asylum into their communities.
The numbers of refugees and asylum seekers coming to Northern Ireland has grown exponentially in the last year and a half. Many nationalities of people seeking asylum are being accommodated in new locations across Northern Ireland; Afghan families are arriving and many Ukrainians are also seeking refuge. There is an urgent need for the church to continue to respond in welcoming all those seeking safety. We want to train and equip local churches to respond to these needs in their location, and actively support you as you do so.
Local Response
Joanna is excited to support the local church in Northern Ireland to show love to their communities. A Belfast local who loves the church, she brings experience from working in a homeless hostel, with the Red Cross, and supporting refugees and survivors of human trafficking. Having recently completed her masters in Forensic Psychology and Mental Health, she is passionate about ensuring communities have access to wellbeing supports.
Joanna says, “I’m really looking forward to getting to know the churches in our network, and to ensure that refugees feel welcome and loved in our communities.” She believes that local churches are uniquely placed to welcome refugees and people seeking asylum, helping them feel a sense of belonging and the opportunity to integrate fully. Through building relationships, offering support, and creating opportunities for collaboration, Joanna seeks to equip and resource churches as they journey alongside those in need, working towards a vision where every refugee is welcomed by the local Church.
Future Direction
We are keen to hear from churches across Northern Ireland. What would help your church in its work with asylum seekers and refugees? Please contact Joanna to share your thoughts and areas for future development for Welcome Churches across Northern Ireland, or to find out how we can best support your church.
Supporting your region
You can help support our work, programmes and development in Northern Ireland by donating today. Your donations help to develop strong partnerships that offer the best possible local, on-the-ground support to churches working with refugees. Donate now to support Welcome Churches projects across the Northern Ireland.