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Visit the charity's profileFor more than 20 years, this Oxford-based small charity has worked with refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants as they heal from trauma and rebuild their lives.
We offer counselling, psychotherapy and other therapeutic and practical support to help people recover their mental health and become part of Oxfordshire's diverse community.
On October 14th 2020, Refugee Resource celebrates its 21st anniversary. At this unprecedented time, we invite you to show solidarity and support for refugees.
We have adapted all of our services to continue running throughout the pandemic, which has been a lifeline for refugees and asylum seekers facing complex trauma, increased isolation and multiple other hardships. Now, we must seek additional funds to continue offering these vital services.
Last year Refugee Resource worked with over 300 people from over 40 different countries, and with multiple referral partners and community groups - from GPs and the NHS, social services, schools, mutual aid groups and other local charities.
Many clients are referred to us having suffered multiple traumas including conflict, loss/separation (e.g. death of family members), violence and exploitation. They exhibit symptoms of emotional distress, grief, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and a sense of lost identity.
If you hardly speak English and are a stranger in a foreign culture, its like being blind and deaf when you want to talk to someone. I felt powerless and invisible before they helped me. Now I have a voice and I can help others like me. RR Client*
Once in the UK their ordeal is not over. The asylum process is often experienced as re-traumatising, and the temporary nature of gaining status means carrying additional burdens of fear, poverty and uncertainty, which can make it difficult to cope and feel part of society. They continue to face multiple disadvantages and crisis, related to their health, income and housing, as well as stigma and discrimination.
I've seen significant changes in clients mental health. If Refugee Resource wasnt there offering nurturing, holistic support, I cant think of any other resource that could take it up It doesnt even bear thinking about. RR Partner*
*Butterfly Consultancy From Alienation to Inclusion, an Evaluation of Refugee Resources Activities, 2018
First of all, thank you for reading about our work and considering how you can take action. We'll aim to keep this section updated as new ideas and events take shape.
We were gearing up for our second year taking part in the Oxford Half Marathon, due to take place on Sunday 11th October. Sadly, this has been cancelled - but this doesn't mean you can't lace up your trainers, kick-start a fundraising page and cover the distance yourself. We know how much motivation this'll take, and we're here to help if you have any questions - we'll also send out certificates to everyone who fundraises and runs for us, with exciting, locally-sourced goodie bags for everyone who raises £250 or more!
One of last year's runners recommends using Map My Run - then, click the 'Start Fundraising' button and you're ready to go! Why not aim to run/collect donations by 14th October 2020 (our anniversary) so we can celebrate your achievement that day?
* Charities pay a small fee for our service. Find out how much it is and what we do for it.
