According to the Refugee Council, there were over 30,000 asylum applications in the United Kingdom over the last 12 months. Last year, the number of applications was 8% higher. However, this year’s figure has possibly dropped due to the pandemic we are all currently experiencing. 

Where Do You Start With Finding Support?  

Only about 41% of applicants succeeded in getting protection the first time their case was looked at in 2020. Whilst this should be a reason to celebrate for those who make it through the process, it often turns out to be the beginning of callous times for new refugees, who possibly face homelessness and excessive poverty. 

Did you know that more than 40,000 asylum seekers are left waiting on a decision on their application for more than six months? 

Luckily, there are many organisations and charities out there that always go the extra mile to support migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.  

British Red Cross

The British Red Cross (we offer) is a registered charity with more than 17,000 volunteers and 3,000 members of staff.  

They aim to provide help for people in crisis, regardless of their ethnic background, nationality, religion, or political belief. With their amazing support, they provide essential emergency necessities to vulnerable migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, such as food, clothes, toiletries, cash, blankets, and baby items.  

The British Red Cross offers additional support to young refugees by preparing documents, teaching new skills, building confidence, and adjusting to life in the UK. 

They organise fun day trips, such as football, cooking, excursions, as well as preparing young individuals for their exams.  

The Refugee Council 

The Refugee Council have been assiduously working on specific goals over the last few years, with a significant focus on changing the way refugees are welcome and treated in the United Kingdom. 

On their website, you will be able to find information about the Specialised Training and Employment programme, which provides help and guidance for resettled refugees as they step into their employment life.  

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) 

The UNHCR is a United Nations agency committed to safeguarding the rights, the health, and the safety of those who have been forced to escape their country. Their aim is not limited to ensuring everybody seeks asylum safely. 

They strive to restart people’s lives and achieve long-lasting results, offering protection, shelter, health and education for vulnerable people. They have partnered with many private organisations, such as Ikea, and sports associations like the International Olympic Committee. 

Refugee Action 

Refugee Action is an independent national charity that campaigns for a fairer asylum system. 

They strive to fight poverty and injustice in many ways, such as removing barriers to employment and integration, enabling local services to cooperate and work more effectively and ultimately supporting refugees to resettle in the UK. 

Refugee Action is well known for organising memorable charity events, such as school fundraising and marathons in the biggest cities in the UK. These include the London, Brighton, Manchester, and Edinburgh Marathons.