"Understanding the Stranger" presents case studies of innovative initiatives from across the UK that aim to mediate tension and build bridges between local host communities and asylum seekers and refugees, with examples drawn from statutory and non-statutory sectors, including very small-scale grassroots projects. The common messages revealed by these initiatives as well as by other relevant research and projects are explored in an introduction from the Information Centre about Asylum and Refugees in the UK (ICAR)."Understanding the Strange"r provides an invaluable resource of ideas, guidance, and contacts for practitioners to assist them in their work and to make lessons learnt in one neighbourhood available to others. The messages it offers will also be of vital interest to policymakers and funders when making decisions about strategy and the kinds of initiatives that should be supported in the future.