We’ve seen temperatures plummet over the past few days. For refugees, this means that their struggles to find safe, secure housing become even more urgent.
We don’t want anyone to face the freezing cold on the streets.
The Refugee Council’s Refugee Advice Project (RAP) is for people based in London who have been granted refugee status. The service has helped refugees access safe spaces and spoken up for those facing eviction during cold weather.
But it’s not just during the winter that the RAP undertake such amazing work. We spoke to Andy, a volunteer with the service. He told us more about the vital work they do and how you can help.
“We support people with a range of issues including navigating the benefits system, support with their housing situation, help with registering with a GP or getting them support with different health issues.
We connect people with work opportunities as well. We tailor the support based on people’s individual needs.
We refer people to hostels if they’re street homeless, so they’ve got somewhere to stay for the night. We help them find accommodation by liaising with the local authority and with various supported accommodation facilities and make applications to those places on their behalf, to try and find them somewhere to stay.
During the cold winter months, these services are needed more than ever.
Our Refugee Advice Project helps people facing homelessness
The most difficult cases are the cases of people who are already street homeless. We always try to get them off the streets.
There is a lot of anxiety. I think a lot of people feel abandoned and withdrawn as well. There’s a range of emotions associated with finding yourself in a situation where you don’t have a safe place to call home.
I think many refugees we support see us as a friend who’s giving a helping hand, when perhaps they are not getting help from anybody else.
It’s very rewarding being able to resolve people’s problems. Finding housing for somebody who is struggling is a huge step in them moving forward with their life. People are always very grateful and pleased to hear from you and sometimes even the smallest thing can mean so much to them when we step in to support.
Supporters’ donations are helping people get off the street, rebuild their lives and become part of our communities.
We don’t always have the resources to support everyone and this is heart-breaking. There are so many more people out there who urgently need our support and your donations can help them.“
As we welcome in the new year, we remain committed to supporting those starting a new chapter in Britain. Without this service, many would be left with nowhere to turn. With your support, we can reach more people, offering them the support they need during this critical time. ■
