Samphire

Who we are

Samphire is a registered charity, based in Dover, on the south coast of the United Kingdom, England. We are working towards a society which is inclusive and compassionate towards migrants. 

We support people who have been subjected to immigration detention, including hosting a Steering Group of Experts by Experience.

We work with local communities in Dover and Kent to build community cohesion and mutual respect between our diverse communities, including running a multi-cultural festival and initiatives run by Roma.

We provide pro bono OISC registered legal advice to Kent residents and also provide advice, services and advocacy to people being held at Napier Barracks.

Samphire recognises and values the benefits of lived experience expertise in developing policies and services. 

Samphire is committed to human rights, equality and social justice.

Our culture and values

- Inclusive Engagement:

Engaging with everyone who wishes to participate in good faith and upholds these commitments, recognising that we must work within our available capacity and relevant expertise.

- Individual Dignity:

Seeing every person as an individual, never making unfair judgments or discriminating based on characteristics, including but not limited to: age, disability, gender and sex, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, criminal conviction, immigration status, education, cultural background, or skill in written or spoken English.

- Validating Experience:

Treating everyone's lived experience as valuable, whilst also seeking to understand different perspectives and encouraging dialogue when experiences or viewpoints differ. We avoid making assumptions about anyone's motivations for their actions or words.

- Truthful Communication:

Communicating honestly and making reasonable efforts to gather complete and accurate information about the subject of discussion.

- Relevant Information:

Only asking about personal information that is directly necessary for the matter at hand, respecting privacy and dignity.

- Calm Communication:

Using a calm, respectful tone and taking the time needed to ensure mutual understanding in all interactions.

- Building Understanding:

Using respectful language and actions to foster understanding and build connections, and never to create, spread or encourage division or hatred.

- Respectful Dialogue:

Communicating with clarity about our respective values and perspectives whilst respecting each other's right to hold differing personal views, beliefs, and political opinions. We engage constructively with different viewpoints, remaining open to learning and refining our approaches through respectful dialogue.

- Considerate Discussion:

Maintaining an awareness of those around us whilst having conversations on sensitive topics, recognising that the experiences and backgrounds of others might make those topics difficult or distressing for them, and that it may be appropriate to pause the conversation or move to a different location.

- Safe Disengagement:

We respect the right of either party to step back from interactions when these commitments are not being upheld or when we feel the conversation has become counterproductive despite good faith efforts from all parties.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

The organisation recognises and takes very seriously its legal duty not to discriminate against any individual or any section of society in our employment policies and procedures. It values a diverse workforce, believing this enhances its effectiveness and overall success as a business. It aims to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves in the workforce at all levels.