Ali Alzein founded Bees & Refugees after his own experience as a refugee led him to beekeeping as a tool for mental health and recovery. What began as a personal project grew – particularly during COVID lockdowns – into a thriving community organisation. Today, it supports some of the most vulnerable people across Kent and London.
The organisation operates from a five-acre farm in Otford, Kent – a sanctuary for both bees and people. Their work with beekeeping in Kent and beyond brings together refugees, asylum seekers, and local communities in a shared, restorative space. As well as weekly farm visits and beekeeping mentorship, they run school workshops reaching over 150 students each year.
A Unique Approach to Wellbeing
Bees & Refugees takes a holistic view of support. Their workshops go beyond practical skills, though participants do learn hive management, honey extraction, and bee health monitoring. They also deliver a therapeutic programme designed to build resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Translators ensure language is never a barrier, transport is arranged to reduce access challenges, and around five volunteers support every session. Developed in partnership with West London Welcome and Turning Point, the programme is built on strong community expertise and deep-rooted experience in refugee support.
What the Grant Will Support
Funding from the Oades Family Trust will enable Bees & Refugees to deliver a series of beekeeping and nature-based workshops for refugees, asylum seekers, and marginalised communities. Each workshop will directly benefit at least 25 participants. In total, at least 75 people will be reached across the programme, with a further 120 expected to benefit indirectly through family, friends, and peer networks.
The grant will also support ten local businesses to take part in work experience days alongside community members. This encourages integration and opens up real pathways to future employment. Together, the activities offer something immediate – connection, calm, and new skills – and something lasting: a stronger foundation for life in a new home.
We consider ourselves to be in a privileged position – able to help vulnerable and marginalised people in a beautiful location, amongst black native bees. Our work is delivered in a holistic way, by people with lived experience, with the intention of creating integration and collaboration through education, mentoring, and guidance. Everyone is an individual with unique needs, who will have something to give back – just like the bees we are nurturing.
Ali has built something genuinely innovative – rooted in his own lived experience and shaped by the communities he works with. The combination of environmental conservation and therapeutic support is powerful, and the farm in Otford gives it a real, lasting home. We’re proud to support this next phase of their work alongside the Oades Family Trust, and we have real confidence in where this organisation is heading.
Latest Project Updates
January 2026
Granted £2,000
After members of the Oades Family Trust voted for their favourite causes, Bees and Refugees was selected to receive a grant of £2,000.