Enthusiasm without the kit

While accommodation centres hosting people seeking asylum regularly receives negative attention, the needs of those staying there are often simple.

For example, at a hotel in Telford, many people were interested in playing sports, particularly running. Those who stay in hotels for extended periods often report experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression – issues that numerous studies suggest running and other forms of exercise can help alleviate.

In fact, according to the Mental Health Foundation, regular physical activity can reduce the risk of depression by up to 30%. Group running can also foster community connection to combat loneliness and increase self-esteem.

But many of the residents at this hotel in Telford had never run before and didn’t have proper shoes, which led to sore feet and injuries that could have been avoided. 

That’s when, with the help of Migrant Help funding, the Shropshire Supports Refugees Support hub and local champion Chris got involved. Chris, who has always supported community sports in Shropshire, joined as a sports coordinator. He began by asking people what they wanted and what was holding them back. 

“Enthusiasm alone couldn’t bridge the gap,” the team reflected. “Without the right shoes, people got hurt.” 

The solution: a coach, a community, and a pool of shoes 

Chris mapped local routes, tapped his network of clubs and donors, and built a shared pool of running shoes so anyone could join safely. 

“I’m so glad you got in touch...I’ve wanted to help,” local residents told him, turning out with a gently used kit, small grants, and regular drop-offs. 

With barriers removed and a plan in place, momentum grew. Structured sessions, safer pacing, and a culture of mutual support transformed jogs into a confidence-building routine. What began as running classes spread into sharing meals, swimming, and walking sessions. Women-only activities soon followed, each tailored to the needs of the refugee community in Shropshire. 

Community in motion 

“The generosity we saw from clubs, neighbours, volunteers became part of the programme,” Chris says, “It’s community in motion.”

While the running sessions themselves have since stopped, the project has grown into different physical activity initiatives including a walking group led by Wellington Walkers are Welcome.  “Sport gives people a reason to show up,” a volunteer coach said.   

Support from Migrant Help – through its Building, Empowering, Protecting and Supporting (BEPS) fund helped Shropshire Supports Refugees bring in Chris, the kit library, and get activities off the ground. Proof that support can turn intent into impact, and a first pair of shoes into a running start.