RSG has been supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Berkshire since 1994.
We offer free immigration advice, resettlement support and run a safe social drop-in three times a week; alongside a befriending service and a homework club for the children of refugees and asylum seekers.
Our mission is to improve the lives of refugees and asylum seekers through advice and support which promotes awareness and integration into our community. Our vision is to make Berkshire a supporting and inclusive society that embraces refugees and asylum seekers with humanity, respect and dignity. We believe that diversity is beneficial in our community and should be celebrated.
We continue to spread awareness of the barriers refugees face in our society, through our campaigns and advocacy. We believe that all individuals deserve the opportunity to access our services despite their circumstances.
How our involvement with the CEO Sleepout will support these services
There has been a marked increase in homelessness among refugees. In a recent report by The No Accommodation Network (NACCOM) this crisis has risen by 99% in the last 12 months alone. The problem is mostly due to the restricted timeframe of 7-28 days given to refugees once their status has been approved.
With so little time available to secure work and a new home, an increasing amount of refugees are finding themselves destitute. At Refugee Support Group, we are working tirelessly to change this reality. We have partnered with Reading Borough Council on a homeless project to support individuals with no recourse to public funding, such as refugees. Together, we are helping them transition from the streets and into safe spaces.
In addition, each week, our three drop-in centers offer a warm, safe space where refugees and asylum seekers can find refreshments, vital support, solidarity, and guidance. In the last two years, approx. 4000 clients attended our weekly drop-ins.
The fundraising we receive from the CEO Sleepout will go towards the increased demand for our critical services.
