In 2024, there are over 36.4 million refugees worldwide, who have fled violence and persecution in search of safety across international borders.

Those reaching Europe in search of safety are forced to make treacherous, often deadly journeys, which often take months or years and are fraught with violence at the hands of border authorities and those supposed to protect people in distress at land or sea.

Upon their arrival, people who wish to seek asylum in Greece, where we work, are generally forced to live in overcrowded and frightening refugee camps, without access to key services, or are held in detention centres, being deemed 'dangerous'. In the UK, the picture is not much better; army barracks, floating barges, and corporate-run 'hotels' which are wholly unsuitable to support those who have experienced complex trauma are the norm, with asylum seekers made to live on just a few pounds a day.

That's where SolidariTee comes in. We raise awareness and advocate for more compassionate, lasting solutions to supporting displaced people, both here in the UK and in Europe as a whole.

In Greece, we support grassroots organisations made up of expert professionals who provide legal aid and connected mental health support to asylum seekers and refugees. With media and international attention having long ago moved on, the funding available for such organisations is getting smaller by the day, SolidariTee is often one of the very few places for NGOs to turn to for financial support.

That's why members of student groups from all over the UK are each walking 36.4 km during this week, raising awareness and funds to support dignified, quality support for those who have no option but to leave everything behind and begin all over again.

If you're interested in learning more about our work, please watch our documentary linked below. Thank you for standing in solidarity with us today.

Yours,

The SolidariTee Team