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Michael Woolley received Portsmouth City Council's Civic Award

We could not be more proud to share that on 19th November 2020, Michael Woolley was presented the Portsmouth City Council Civic Award:

"in recognition of all you have done for immigration detainees, refugees and asylum seekers over the last twenty years and in recognition of your selfless, steadfast and outstanding commitment and dedication to helping those in need of legal, social and financial assistance.

For bringing warmth, friendship and justice to those who find themselves in hardship and adversity, making a real and true difference to people's lives."

The award was presented to Michael by the Right Worshipful, the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cllr Rob Wood and signed by the Lord Mayor and the Chief Executive of the Council in the form of a certificate and a medal.

We think it is justly deserved to recognise Michael’s contribution, over two decades of support for asylum seekers and refugees in Portsmouth. Friends Without Borders has been entirely volunteer run since 2015 and Michael has built a strong community of volunteers, all working together to support those seeking asylum in Portsmouth.

Well done Michael, you're truly amazing!

The full citation read: "Michael Woolley has been involved with Friends Without Borders and its predecessor organisation The Haslar Visitors' Group since 1998. He served as Co-ordinator 2001-09, then became a Trustee while serving as Mayor of Chichester. He became Chairman and Co-ordinator when the organisation became exclusively Volunteer in 2015 - he has spearheaded the recruitment and training of several dozen volunteers who run [in normal times] Drop Ins twice a week for Asylum Seekers in Portsmouth. Donation income has risen to £50,000 a year under his leadership and locally based Refugees are provided with legal and other needed advice, weekly payments for subsistence until they are granted state benefits, and many other means of support. Michael and the organisation that he has headed up continue to make a significant difference to refugees until their residency be settled - his contribution has been outstanding.​"
Friends Without Borders receives High Sheriff Community Award

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On Saturday 1st March 2014 our Coordinator, Anne Dickinson and our  Chairman, Michael Woolley were delighted to receive a community award from the High Sheriff of Hampshire. 

Dean Rockett, the Portsmouth District Awards Panel Chair stated:

“I nominated the Haslar Visitors’ Group for an award because they remember the forgotten people – some of the most marginalised men and women in society – and it seems to me that it takes a very special kind of person to volunteer for this charity.  At a time when immigration is such a salient political issue, the Haslar Visitors’ Group reminds us of the human aspect and offers friendship to people who really need it.”

The awards ceremony took place at the Great Hall in Winchester and we are now in the very proud possession of a signed certificate with the insignia of office of the High Sheriff.

Anne Dickinson nominated for a H.A.L.O Award for Services to Charity

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As Co-ordinaor of Friends Without Borders [then HVG], Anne's work is often unseen. She offers support to all people that need the support of the charity as well as all of our volunteers.

We are delighted to announce that she was nominated for a HALO Award (Honouring Achievement in Landport at Oasis) - a local award's ceremony organised by the Oasis Church to celebrate excellence in Landport. Her nomination was for 'Services to Charity' and she attended the awards ceremony, which took place on Friday 19th July 2013.

Well done Anne!

Anne being congratulated by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Lynne Stagg
​Amani Amari was awarded the Wessex Volunteer of the Year Award

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HVG was delighted to receive an award for the work of Amani Amari at the regional Wessex Charity Awards. Amani is shown here, holding her award.

Amani has been a volunteer in the All Saints drop-in kitchen and as a translator for us since 2007. She got her Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK in 2009.

With the security of her new status, she then immediately volunteered to visit men in detention in Haslar. She has herself been incarcerated in her home country of Eritrea and we commend her bravery and dedication.
Friends Without Borders, All Saints Centre, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, PO1 4BT, Phone: 023 9283 9222 mobile 07546 502143
Our registered charity number is: 1080187