Slough Refugee Support – SRS – is a registered charity focused exclusively on the needs of refugees and asylum seekers.

Established in 1997 by people who saw a need to offer a welcome as well as practical help to some of the most marginalised people in their local community, SRS has built up a deep stock of experience of working with refugees and helping them with the many obstacles they face in their efforts to settle, contribute and thrive in the UK.

Our philosophy and approach is rooted in the belief that refugees want and need to achieve self-reliance and independence as soon as they can. Our core programme, at present funded by Big Lottery, is called Steps to Settlement It is based around drop-in advice sessions and follow-up casework to resolve identified issues.

Quality of service is a preoccupation and staff and senior volunteers who are involved in advice giving hold the Level 1 Competency Certificate, as per the requirements of the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).

SRS works closely with other agencies and arranges referrals where necessary. Local agencies say that they greatly value SRS’s work in understanding the needs of this hard-to-assist group and signposting efficiently to the most appropriate public service.

Recognising the need to foster community and reduce the risks of social isolation which many refugees face, SRS organises classes and shared activities and also employs a Family Support Worker with an ‘outreach’ remit.