What we do
At Open Doors, we are dedicated to providing support and guidance to people seeking asylum. Our foundation serves as a beacon of hope and assistance for those in need, offering a safe space and resources to navigate the asylum process with care and compassion.
Through our collaborative efforts and expertise, we aim to empower people seeking asylum by helping them understand their rights, access essential services, and build a new life free from fear and uncertainty.
Our purpose
Our mission at Open Doors is to ensure that every person seeking asylum receives the support they need to navigate the complex asylum process with dignity and respect. We strive to be a source of strength and empowerment for those in vulnerable situations, advocating for their rights and providing a platform for their voices to be heard.
Testimonials
Our project co-ordinator, Cecil Jones, started out as a client.
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I am originally from Freetown Sierra Leone, the twinned city of Hull.
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I joined the Open Doors Project in January 2012 while seeking sanctuary in the UK. During this period, I served as a registered volunteer with the project and mainly helped with providing music sessions and bringing clients/service users together. After my status was regularised, I continued living in Hull so I can give back to the people and the community at large.
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My aim is to connect Open Doors with the wider communities in Hull and create a safe space, provide more opportunities, help and support for our service users especially those who are classified as Destitute Refused Asylum Seekers (DRAs), giving them a second chance in making positive changes to their situation and be in the position to give back to their various communities.
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From my experience, anyone can achieve their goals and aspirations with a bit of help and support and Open Doors has indeed played a significant role in my journey. I am passionate in helping and supporting people and Open Doors Project has given me the platform to do so.
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Flora​​ W.
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I came from Cameroon in West Africa in 2007 as a student.
Between 2013-2017 volunteered at Open Doors and during that time I became an asylum seeker.
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I was detained for a year and open Doors fought hard for my release.
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They took my case to the BBC
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Made a vigil where all churches come together and pray
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Searched for solicitors for my case
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Supported me at hearings
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Offered allotment work for my mental health
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Organised singing groups
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I was supported by Open Doors until I was granted refugee status in 2017
Now in 2025 I am a British citizen and support Open Doors.
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Roxana S.
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When I arrived in the UK with my two children, we were exhausted, scared, and unsure
of what the future held. We didn’t know anyone. I didn’t know how to navigate the
asylum process. Like many in my situation, I felt alone, overwhelmed, and unsure where
to turn—until I found Open Doors.
From the moment I walked in, I felt seen. I wasn’t just given practical support like food,
clothing, and advice—I was welcomed. I was treated with dignity and kindness. For the
first time since leaving home, I felt safe.
Open Doors didn’t just support me—they surrounded me with love. The people I met
there became more than just helpers or volunteers. They became my family. Friends for
life. Even now, they are part of my story, part of my children’s lives. We’ve celebrated
together, cried together, and grown together.
After four years of volunteering, I was granted residency and moved into paid work. But
Open Doors never left my heart. I returned to serve in a new capacity 4 years later,
determined to give back in a deeper way—to help shape the organisation that helped
shape me.
Open Doors didn’t just help me survive—they helped me belong. They reminded me of
who I was and helped me become who I am now. I will always be grateful.
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