A charity in Southampton is helping Hong Kong nationals adjust to life after relocating to the city.

The City Life Education and Action for Refugees (CLEAR), has been a project of City Life Church since 2001, supporting refugees and asylum seekers adjust to life in Southampton.

The charity has received two lots of £36,750 from the government, that's funded by the Department of Levelling Up, for both this year and next, to support Hong Kong nationals who’ve relocated to Southampton.

Paul Woodman, 52, Church Leader of City Life Church, told the Daily Echo: “We’re very committed to the idea of Southampton being a sanctuary for people. It’s quite rewarding to see people rebuild their lives having moved from another country.

“We’re a proud city. The Hong Kong people have quickly found jobs and friends in Southampton and are grateful for the work we do.

"Hong Kongers have many transferable skills that see’s people get jobs in the likes of the port, banking and teaching. Often, we work alongside the South East Strategic Partnership for Migration, who cover the wider Hampshire area and Southampton is highly praised.

“We get together and put events on – whether it’s an art exhibition or a trip to Winchester Cathedral or a walking tour of Southampton – it really brings everyone together.”

Last week a Hong Kong couple were attacked in Burgess Road by Chinese students following a protest in the city in support of political prisoners being held by the Chinese government.

Elaine Lo, 41, an outreach worker whose lived in Southampton for nearly two years told The Echo: “The people of Hong Kong have experienced unhappiness at home for a long-time and the suppression by the government.

"The incident that occurred in Southampton earlier this month is similar to attacks that happened in Hong Kong in 2019.

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“We’re worried about our safety. Now residents don’t want to go back to Burgess Road where there are some nice restaurants and Asian supermarkets.”

Elaine added: “But we like it here and we’re grateful to people like Paul who do amazing work and integrate us into the community.

“We learn in English in childhood, and I know for me and my family we moved to Southampton because we liked the idea of living in the south of England – as Hong Kong is south of China – and also because of the football team that’s been in the Premier League, although most people in Hong Kong support Manchester United!

“When I moved here with my husband and two children, we didn’t know anybody. But now, we’ve connected with so many people and have our own community here in the UK, which is very touching as we literally had to start from the beginning.”

Paul added: “Many Hong Kong residents admire us as we do have the right to protest, and freedom of speech and Hong Kongers respect those values.

“I think it’s important that we have a better understanding of different cultures, as it’s easy to take everyday things for granted – that others might not be so fortunate to understand.”