Providing practical and emotional support to refugees and asylum-seekers in the Reading area.

Reading Refugee Support Group's vision is for inclusive communities where refugees and asylum-seekers of diverse cultural backgrounds are treated with respect; where their essential needs are met; and where they are enabled to play a valuable role within the wider community. SO FAR (09.11.11)£300 HAS BEEN RAISED THROUGH YOUR GENEROUS DONATIONS TO LOCALGIVING - KEEP THEM COMING !!!!

Why the community needs this charity

The challenges facing asylum-seekers and refugees are multiple and include:- destitution, physical and mental health problems, exclusion & alienation, de-skilling, breakdown of traditional family relationships. All those seeking sanctuary arrive without financial support, often with nothing, no local links and often without functional English. Our advice and support services try to address those needs and are open to all refugees and asylum-seekers in the Reading area.

Results and outcomes

In 2010-11 over 230 clients from numerous countries including Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Iran, Kosovo and Sudan benefited from our services. This included access to advice sessions with trained asylum caseworkers, participation in a 1-1 English & Life Skills classes, social events and assistance with solving destitution. One client on the 1-1 English programme noted: "(these sessions became) the only working bridge to the British society: meeting once a week for two hours was a kind of therapy."

Latest activities and projects

Zumbathon

A 2 hour long latin dance inspired workout. For all fitness levels. Bella Nicola Ides zumba instructor (www.zumbaclassreadinguk.com) will take you through a fun-filled, energising, calorie burning, with a party atmosphere! You can do the whole workout or take a break as you go through the session. Try some exotic moves - belly dancing artists will be on hand. You will have the chance to buy freshly made samosas. Don't forget to enter our free prize draw!! read more

Refugee Awareness: speakers, exhibitions and presentations

Staff, volunteers and clients can come and run a Refugee Awareness session for your group, department, school. The session will be interactive including film clips, personal testimonials and facts & figures. Contact Alison on 0118 950 5356 or alison@rrsg.org.uk for more information. read more

Seeking Sanctuary: Destitution Fund

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Seeking Sanctuary: Advice Service

The casework team holds a "drop-in" session every Monday 10.00-12.30 and takes appointments during the rest of the week. read more

Women's Group: Support Network; Global Growing (allotment) & Shared Cooking

The Women's Group meets fortnightly and undertakes a variety of activities: cooking, visiting museums, coffee & a chat, creating displays and exhibitions, gardening. read more

English & Life Skills 1-1 tuition

Each client requesting these sessions is matched with a volunteer, trained English teacher. They meet for 1-2 hours per week for at least 3 months. Teaching may be in a classroom setting or visiting the library and other public spaces together.  read more