The British Refugee Council
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Mission Statement
For over 60 years the Refugee Council has supported and empowered people seeking refuge in the UK from conflict, persecution and human rights abuses across the world. We provide expert and often unique support services at critical points where people are at their most vulnerable and we advocate for a UK system that is fair, humane and effective so that refugees can rebuild their lives in a UK that is a welcoming place of safety.
About This Cause
WHAT WE DO: The Refugee Council helps support and transform the lives of men, women and children who have been forced to flee their homes and seek safety in the UK. Many have horrific stories to tell. However, once they arrive and have claimed asylum, the challenges are not over. We work with very vulnerable groups such as separated children, people who have been tortured and exploited and on key areas including destitution, housing, detention and integration into UK society. WORK WITH CHILDREN: Separated children seeking asylum are some of the most vulnerable in our society. Most children who come to us for help have endured terrible experiences in their own country or on the way to the UK including witnessing the kidnap, murder or disappearance of their parents. Others have been trafficked for domestic servitude, sexual exploitation or cannabis cultivation. Once in the UK, many children are lonely and isolated. Our expert Advisers work directly with children offering support through drop-in services, surgeries, telephone and email advice lines. We make key appointments, for example with legal representatives, social services and others and accompany children to these appointments, supporting them and explaining what is happening. We also run many regular activities: social evenings where young people form friendships, English classes and art therapy sessions, music classes and very popular sports programmes. THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT: The Therapeutic Casework Team work with people who have faced torture, violence and sexual exploitation in their home country or while travelling to the UK. The loss of family members, home, culture, lack of recognition in their new country and concern about loved ones left at home or missing have a huge psychological impact. This can lead to trauma/ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression or other disabling psychological conditions. Our dedicated Therapeutic Support caseworkers meet these practical and emotional needs in a safe and secure environment. The one-to-one sessions and support groups we run provide a level of stability that can be a lifeline to those who have faced such dreadful trauma and upheaval. DESTITUTION SERVICES: Asylum seekers in the UK can get caught in a spiral of poverty. Unable to work, and often unable or unsure how to access funds, they lack the means to obtain basic essentials, and to get themselves out of this trap. Some are entitled to just £5 a day to cover food, toiletries and clothes as well as travel costs to get to crucial legal appointments or asylum meetings. People can end up sleeping rough on night buses or sofa surfing. For those in this desperate situation our destitution centres offer a safe place to come during the day, have a meal and shower, seek immigration advice and therapeutic support, talk to a team of compassionate volunteers and socialise with other refugees sharing the same experience. EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE: Arriving often with no knowledge of English language or UK culture, one of the greatest difficulties facing people who have newly been granted refuge is finding suitable employment in a fiercely competitive job market. Our specialist Employment team offers language classes, CV writing services and interview training, general guidance and specialist services to those who were doctors, nurses or teachers in their country of origin. This allows refugees to re-qualify to UK standards, secure appropriate employment and so use their skills to build a new, productive life with dignity. ADVOCACY AND INFLUENCING: As well as providing practical support to defend the rights of refugees and asylum seekers and improve the quality of their lives, Refugee Council works to raise public awareness and influence policy. Our multi-disciplinary team; covering research, policy, media, campaigning and parliamentary work; focuses on issues that affect refugees and asylum seekers across the board, highlighting some of the additional needs that specific groups may have, such as separated children, women and victims of trafficking. All the support Refugee Council receives is vital in transforming lives for many who had given up hope, and who are now beginning new, safer lives here in the UK. Thank you!