Lifestyle

How social workers help refugees settle into their new lives

Published

3 years ago

November 8, 2022

Many people pursue social work qualifications and careers so they can directly impact communities and improve the lives of those they work with. Social workers don’t just work with children and families, they also support people such as refugees, who may be having a hard time settling into their new lives in unfamiliar environments.

Understanding the role that social workers play in helping refugees could help you decide whether you want to pursue a job in this field and make this kind of difference yourself. Below, we explore what a social worker is, what their duties involve and how they help refugees.

What is a social worker?

A social worker is a very important professional who helps society in various ways. They may be trained through formal education or an online course, such as an online social work graduate program, where they learn how to solve various problems for adults, children and families. Social workers assist people who need additional support to integrate with the rest of society, so their work can be highly varied, usually revolving around promoting wellbeing and human rights. Social workers work with various people at the same time, where they assess the individual’s needs and objectives and suggest ways of meeting them.

Social workers in children and family services typically work with children in care, or foster children, helping them overcome challenges and access their rights as citizens and people. They also work closely with immigrants to help them settle into their new lives in various ways, as this community may have economic and social difficulties due to language and cultural barriers. The refugee resettlement process is also quite complex in the US, as it involves various agencies and organizations. Social workers help refugees navigate this process, ensuring they have their basic needs met in terms of food, clothing and shelter.

How social workers help refugees with resettlement

Social workers support refugees in various ways when it comes to resettlement, as the experience can often be complicated and stressful due to potential language and cultural barriers. Here are some of the main ways social workers offer their help and guidance:

Ensuring physical and emotional needs are met

First and foremost, social workers must ensure the basic needs of refugees are met, such as food, clothing and housing. They do this by working closely with various service providers, such as The Department of Housing and other agencies. Due to the fact that refugees often don’t have access to banks and other services, they can be highly vulnerable. Social workers help to identify and address social and emotional issues associated with resettlement, as it can be a distressing and confusing time for refugees.

Protecting refugees from exploitation

Refugees can be vulnerable when they arrive in their new country, as they may be in a financially desperate situation. This can lead to them being exploited by employers, for example, who may be asking them to work for below the legal minimum wage or requiring them to work unfair hours. Refugees are unlikely to report these kinds of problems for multiple reasons. They may not even know they’re being exploited, as they need the money they’re receiving, and they may not know which channels to use to report such things. Social workers can help exploited migrants by reporting this kind of criminal activity and making sure the offending parties are dealt with.

Protecting refugees from other crimes

Refugees often fear deportation, as they may have fled their home country due to safety concerns. This can make them hesitant to report crimes, which they are significantly at risk of being victims of for numerous reasons. Social workers can act on behalf of refugees who are victims of trafficking, violence, sexual abuse or any other form of crime and report it to law enforcement agencies.

Protecting refugees from discrimination

Discriminatory practices and anti-immigration policies can put refugees at risk, and social workers play an important role in protecting them from these threats. The rights of asylum seekers can become threatened when they’re viewed as criminals, and social workers can help them by ensuring their human rights are met. Social workers protect the self-determination of vulnerable people by making sure their rights are fulfilled, especially when restrictions threaten their rights and wellbeing.

Lifestyle

Houseplant Styling Mistakes to Avoid in Home Décor

Published

20 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Michelle Langton

Bringing greenery indoors can instantly elevate a space — adding warmth, texture, and a sense of calm. However, styling houseplants successfully requires more than simply popping a fern in a corner and hoping for the best. From mismatched plant selections to poor placement and neglecting scale, even the most well-intentioned plant lovers can make styling missteps. Before you dive into your next indoor plant arrangement, it’s worth understanding the most common mistakes to avoid.

Whether you’re new to indoor greenery or a seasoned plant parent, brands like Hello Botanical make it easy to find the perfect plants and gifts that complement your interior style — but knowing how to display them properly will make all the difference.

Overcrowding Your Space with Too Many Plants
While it’s tempting to fill every available surface with greenery, too many plants can make your space feel cluttered and overwhelming. Each plant deserves breathing room to grow and be appreciated. Instead of bunching them together, try grouping a few in varying heights or textures for balance. A single large plant in a corner can make a stronger design statement than ten small ones scattered everywhere.

Ignoring Light Conditions
Aesthetics shouldn’t be your only consideration when placing plants. Many indoor plant styling mistakes stem from ignoring light needs. Some species, like fiddle leaf figs and succulents, crave bright indirect light, while others, such as snake plants or peace lilies, thrive in low-light corners. Assess the natural light in each room before choosing plants, and remember that not every green beauty will thrive on your coffee table or bathroom shelf.

Choosing the Wrong Pot or Planter
A pot isn’t just a decorative accessory — it affects your plant’s health and your home’s design balance. A mismatched or undersized pot can look awkward, while one without drainage can cause root rot. Select planters that complement your home’s aesthetic and suit each plant’s needs. Neutral ceramics, woven baskets, or textured terracotta pots can enhance the overall décor while allowing your greenery to shine.

Neglecting Scale and Proportion
One of the easiest ways to make a room look unbalanced is by ignoring scale. A tiny plant on a large table can feel lost, while an oversized monstera can overwhelm a small living room. Consider the proportions of your furniture and space before selecting plants. Taller plants like palms or rubber trees add height and drama, while trailing species such as pothos or string of pearls can soften shelves and hanging corners beautifully.

Forgetting to Mix Textures and Colours
Just as you’d layer textures and tones in your furnishings, apply the same principle to your plant styling. Combining different leaf shapes, shades of green, and plant structures creates visual interest. Pair glossy leaves with matte ones, upright plants with cascading varieties, and bold tropicals with delicate ferns. A well-curated mix feels intentional rather than chaotic.

Over-Decorating Around Your Plants
Plants are statement-makers in their own right. Surrounding them with too many decorative objects — candles, vases, or trinkets — can detract from their natural beauty. Let the greenery breathe and become a focal point. A simple setup often feels more elegant and modern than a crowded display.

Forgetting Functionality in Key Spaces
While plants bring undeniable style, practicality matters too. Avoid placing trailing vines where they’ll get tangled in workspace cords or near entryways where they can be knocked over. Similarly, keep moisture-loving plants away from electronics and ensure any planters with drainage are placed on trays to protect your floors and furniture.

Ignoring Consistency Across Your Home
Houseplants look their best when they contribute to a cohesive theme. Instead of choosing random species for each room, think about your home’s overall design. Are you going for a minimalist, Scandinavian aesthetic or something more lush and tropical? Repeating a few plant types or pot styles throughout creates unity and flow.

Overlooking Plant Care as Part of the Design
No matter how beautifully you style your plants, unhealthy or neglected greenery can spoil the look. Regular pruning, wiping leaves, and rotating pots to ensure even growth are key parts of maintaining your interior aesthetic. Healthy, thriving plants add vibrancy and life that no artificial décor can replicate.

Forgetting That Less Can Be More
Finally, remember that plants should enhance your décor, not dominate it. A few strategically placed, well-cared-for plants can transform a home far more effectively than a jungle of mismatched greenery. Focus on quality over quantity, and choose each plant intentionally to fit your style, lighting, and lifestyle.

When styled thoughtfully, houseplants can turn a space into a peaceful, inviting sanctuary

Avoiding these common mistakes helps you highlight their beauty while keeping your interiors cohesive and clutter-free. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or curating a lush indoor garden, start small, observe what works, and grow your collection with care.