Host Derby & Host Nottingham

What is Hosting?

Host Derby - temporary accommodation for refugees and asylum seekers in Derby

Our hosting projects provide temporary accommodation in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire for asylum seekers and refugees who are experiencing, or are at risk of, homelessness.

Host Derby and Host Nottingham provide temporary accommodation with volunteer hosts in their own homes, offering a lifeline for vulnerable individuals. Hosts are supported to welcome an individual in their home, from a few days to a few months. Guests are supported to access the right help to move on with their lives, either through re-engaging with the asylum system, or taking their next steps to find housing. All hosts receive training and are matched with the right person who needs their support. Each host family can decide how long they host people for, and how often they take a new guest.

Apply to become a host today.

Please use the buttons below to apply.

Once you have applied, our Hosting Manager Megan will get in touch to arrange a chat and answer any questions you might have. You will then be invited to attend a training session on 19th August (Host Nottingham) or 9th September (Host Derby). The training sessions will be in the evening, and will be held in their respective cities.

Applications for Host Nottingham will close on 13th August 2025. Applications for Host Derby will close on 3rd September 2025.

  • "I have a spare room and I really wanted to do something to help people in difficulty. It was really worthwhile and I know my guest really appreciated it" - Host

  • "The support from Host Derby was great, it was so good to know someone was there if you needed help with anything" - Host

  • "I stayed with a really nice and good family. They helped me so much, I didn't know people could be so kind" - Guest

Why do Host Derby and Host Nottingham exist?

Those seeking asylum in the UK have experienced untold horrors in their home countries, fled their homes and travelled with great difficulty across the world to find safety here. Yet many find their claims for asylum rejected and are left homeless, penniless and without the right to work or support themselves in the UK. There are various reasons why people are refused asylum in the UK, including poor legal representation, lack of material evidence to support their claim (e.g. not having access to original paperwork or IDs from their home country), and poor decision-making by the Home Office. We know that many individuals who have been supported to find new solicitors or access new evidence have overturned their original asylum refusal. Having a safe place to stay is vital to those who are trying to reapply for asylum, and that's where Host Derby and Host Nottingham play an important part for these individuals.

Refugees who have been granted permission to stay are also at risk of homelessness. When somebody is granted refugee status, all their asylum support is withdrawn, and they have to leave their accommodation. Due to a huge lack in social housing, and private rental properties, it is incredibly difficult for newly granted refugees to find somewhere to live.

Upbeat hosts have already made a difference in the lives of those facing sleeping on the streets — but we are in need of more hosts as more and more refugees are made homeless. Gillian is one of our incredible Hosts who kindly shared some of her experiences with us. Watch below:

I’m interested in becoming a Host.

If you’re interested in becoming a Host, we would love to hear from you! You can apply via the buttons below. Once you have applied, our Hosting Manager Megan will get in touch to arrange a chat and answer any questions you might have. You will then be invited to attend a training session on 19th August (Host Nottingham) or 9th September (Host Derby). The training sessions will be in the evening, and held in their respective cities.

The deadline for applications is 13th August 2025 for Host Nottingham, and 3rd September 2025 for Host Derby.

How can I support Host Derby and Host Nottingham financially?

You can help fund these essential projects by becoming a regular giver, or offering a one-off donation.