Last summer, you stepped up to provide emergency assistance and warm welcomes to evacuated Afghans. But six months on they and many others still need you.
Our teams work tirelessly to support people as they begin to rebuild their lives. But many refugees across the UK are being left in crisis situations because of the asylum system.
Refugee children across the UK are losing out on education.
Families fear falling into destitution and homelessness.
People are suffering from severely deteriorating mental health.
There are still many Afghan refugees stuck in hotels after months, unsure where they’ll be relocated. They feel trapped.
Your support allows Refugee Action crisis teams to be there, to offer the help families need to start again after losing their homes.
”There’s a lot of uncertainty about what support people are entitled to. They are worried about getting lost in the system. They need clarity.
Refugee Action team member
Some of the challenges we’re facing
Unknown Needs
Usually, our teams receive information about the people we’re supporting weeks in advance. Currently it can be the day of meeting people for the first time and we haven’t even been told so much as their names.
We are trying to conduct needs assessments on everyone living in hotels so we can best support them.
Families left with no information
One man that we met had lived and worked in London for a number of years. He lived in a house share, but when his family evacuated Afghanistan they were placed in emergency hotel accommodation in the West Midlands.
He wanted to be with his family to support them. But his wife and children didn’t want to risk leaving the hotel.
Poor Data
The data we are receiving hasn’t been accurate. There are perhaps hundreds more people stuck living in the hotels than the numbers we’re given.
It has been chaotic. Our teams are stretched beyond capacity, and we are struggling to meet the increased need.
In hotels, requests for relocations aren’t being granted. Families are being left with impossible choices.
By supporting Refugee Action you are helping ensure that people stuck in this crisis are supported.
Because of you, we can be on hand to help people with their emergency needs, teaching them about their rights and how to take their next steps. In hotels we are currently hosting caseworker coffee mornings and working toward hosting regular activities and support sessions to residents.
How you can help
…could provide school and art supplies to children across the UK living in crisis.
…could host twice weekly case worker coffee mornings providing advice and support.
…could provide five hours of vital interpreting sessions to help families have their needs assessed.