Refugees have fled war and persecution, hoping to find safety in Britain. As we’ve seen in our blogs over the past few weeks, the promise of safety is often replaced with the harsh realities of the asylum system.
This winter refugees need more than to survive, they need a secure, safe home. With your help, we can continue to help those most in need and transform lives.
Eric received help from the Refugee Council (To respect and protect privacy, an actor has been used in these photographs)
The Housing Crisis
When people are finally, officially recognised as refugees, it should be a time of celebration and relief. But for many, it brings with it more challenges.
We heard Eric’s story. He was granted refugee status but soon received an eviction notice from the government hotel where he was staying. He didn’t know where to start.
He came to the Refugee Council’s Refugee Advice Project. With our help, he was able to find somewhere to stay and take steps to rebuild his life.
We also heard from Omar, who ended up sleeping on a mattress behind a supermarket.
Omar reached out to the Refugee Council and we were able to help him straight away with some food vouchers. Following that first call, we assisted him with access to housing, employment, medical care and counselling. He wanted to share his story so that others don’t have to go through the same experience.
Ruba was a disability rights advocate in Sierra Leone
Barriers to Rebuilding
We also heard Miguel’s story. He is a businessman from South America and his wife is a surgeon. They have two children.
Since arriving in Britain six years ago, they have not been allowed to work and have faced many challenges finding somewhere to live. The Refugee Council have supported their family with advice and assistance and he said “it helps to know there’s someone who cares.”
Ruba also struggled to find somewhere safe and suitable to live. He said that the accommodation he was in “was flooded and the place was not blind friendly.”
Our expert team helped him find somewhere better to live and Ruba said that supporters of the Refugee Council “should know that they’ve put smiles on our faces, they’ve put food on our table, they’ve sheltered us, and the work they will continue to do will give more smiles to people.”
Make a Difference This Winter
Refugees like Eric, Omar, Miguel and Ruba want the chance to rebuild their lives and find a safe home for themselves and their families. ■
Refugees want to give back to their communities in Britain. We can continue to make this a reality. Let’s make sure that they can thrive and find a place to call home. Please donate today.
