Connect
Connect with a local
Across the country, there are people who are eager to help you feel at home in the UK. They are volunteers from churches who want to help people from Hong Kong to get settled.
Arriving in a foreign country has many challenges. The culture is different, the food is different, not to mention the differences in education, healthcare and other systems. And in the UK, these can be different depending on which part of the country you’re in. It can also be hard to know where to go to meet new friends and get to know people in your local community. This is even more true since the Covid-19 restrictions have been in place.
Getting to know a local person can make a huge difference. Someone who can tell you where the best shops are for what you need. Someone who can give you ideas for fun things to do with your family. Someone who can be a friend and introduce you to other people to get to know in the local area too.
There are hundreds of people who have volunteered through their local church to help you settle in. These volunteers can help you meet new people in your new home, as well as help with practical questions you may have, like registering with doctor or helping your children find a school.
They would love to meet you face to face when it is possible to do so. In the meantime they are happy to speak to you on the phone, on video call, or whatever is possible according to local Covid-19 regulations.
We hope this website is helpful to you as you settle into the UK. But there is no substitute for having someone from the UK make you feel welcome.
Connect with friends Or find a Church!
Church Community
Churches are communities of Christians that meet together and welcome and support people from all sorts of different backgrounds. Churches in the UK will vary in style, traditions and activities. Therefore, you might find that two churches look very different to each other!
Hundreds of churches have specifically prepared to welcome recent arrivals from Hong Kong. You will find a warm welcome both in Cantonese speaking churches and in English speaking churches.
The churches on the map also have many volunteers who have signed up to help people from Hong Kong (whatever their politics or beliefs) to settle into the UK.
You can expect churches in the UK to meet together on a Sunday to worship, pray and learn more about following Jesus. During the current lockdown for Covid, this takes place online.
Meet at other points in the week in smaller groups for different activities.
Every church is different but these can include:
reading the bible and praying together
social activities (for example: mums and toddlers groups, community cafes)
groups where people are cared for and looked after (for example: a foodbank where people can access emergency food supplies when they are in need)
going round to each other’s houses and eating together
You don’t have to be a follower of Jesus to join in with a church community - everyone is welcome! Find a church near you on the map above and see what activities they have on offer to help you to make friends and find family.
