Refugees embark on treacherous journeys to the UK in a bid to leave behind war and persecution in their home countries but once they arrive, they are often faced with new challenges when trying to settle into their new lives.

Quakers follow the mantra that everyone is equal and this inspires them to try to change systems that cause injustice.

It also means working with people who suffer injustice and so Quakers have a history of offering support to refugees.

Before the outbreak of the Second World War, Quakers were heavily involved in supporting the Kindertransport in which Jewish children from Germany and other European countries came to Britain to escape Nazi persecution.

William Penn, who lived in Rickmansworth as a preacher during the 1600s and was a founder of the state of Pennsylvania in the USA, also joined the Religious Society of Friends or Quakers at the age of 22.

In the 21st century, Quakers across Britain are still continuing to help welcome people seeking sanctuary as they follow the conviction that there is that of God in every person.

During weekly meetings, members of the faith group will sit in silence in a community hall or public area to reflect on their own personal belief system rather than gather in a church with a priest.

Watford Quakers meet for worship in Church Road every Sunday morning at 10.30am but have also recently started working with the Watford and Three Rivers Refugees Partnership to offer Sanctuary Meetings for people in need who have travelled across the world.

Amanda Woolley, who is a member of the Quaker group in Watford, said: “We are deeply concerned by the restrictions they face about working and settling in this country.

“These restrictions impose great hardship and deny the human value of those seeking sanctuary in our country and what they have to offer.

“We will do what we can to support them and campaign for improvements in their treatment.”

Emily James, who is part of the faith group too, added: “There are a lot of people in Watford who want to help - it is surprising.”

The Sanctuary group will aim to campaign for the right to work, to learn, to housing, to medical care and to security in the event of adverse circumstances.

They will also offer free meeting space to refugee groups as well organise an annual meeting, this year in Refugee Week during June and uniting with local organisations who are working with refugees for joint activities and to offer volunteer help.

Members will also write to MPs - especially about bad legislation.

Marie-Jo Churchill, who volunteers co-ordinator at Watford and Three Rivers Refugees Partnership, says the group was set up in 2001 to offer practical and emotional support to asylum-seekers and refugees.

She said: “The goal posts with refugees is changing all the time and as more people come to Watford, there is an increased need and so getting as many volunteers as we can is important.

“The Quakers in this town have been very helpful as some joined our group and taught literacy and numeracy groups.

“We also work with Watford food bank and drop in parcels to them and just give them life skills and help out when needed.

“Befriending is our core activity.”

To find out more about the Watford Quakers, visit: http://www.watfordquakers.org.uk/

For more information about Watford and Three Rivers Refugees Partnership, go to: http://wtrrp.org.uk/