Cotton Tree Trust featured in Camden New Journal

The Cotton Tree Trust was recently featured in Camden New Journal in an article exploring the charity’s origins, our approach to supporting refugees and asylum seekers, and the importance of building community alongside legal support.

The article, titled “Time with a refugee would change views”, tells the story of how The Cotton Tree Trust began after co-founders Ruth Cigman and Michael Mark welcomed an asylum seeker, Michael Ngyezi, to their table on Christmas Day in 2015. That relationship became the starting point for the charity’s model of support: not only helping people with legal papers, but creating space for people to be heard, supported and welcomed.

Speaking to Camden New Journal, Ruth described the idea of “relaxed time” - spending meaningful time with people, sharing food, talking about their cases, their politics and their lives. Michael also spoke about the practical challenges people face after being granted leave to remain, including homelessness, benefits, work and opening a bank account.

Today, the Cotton Tree Trust supports more than 200 refugees and asylum seekers each year, providing legal support and wider practical help to people rebuilding their lives in the UK.

You can read the full Camden New Journal article here: Time with a refugee would change views