When I was offered the privilege of raising money for this charity, I jumped [ran?] at the chance. I have previously visited them and was so inspired by the invaluable work that they do, with such sensitivity and care.

This is especially important now when, so often, those in need of welcome after facing unimaginable hardships and trauma are met instead with hostility. You can read more below about the support that they provide.

As I have run half-marathons for charity before -- and received your very generous support -- I have decided to add on an Olympic triathlon distance swim (1.5km) which Alex and I will complete on the same day as the half marathon. His page is here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alex-diggins2023 

Wish us luck!

Anything that you can give, however small, would be enormously appreciated by this small charity and those with whom they work.

Thank you very much in advance!

Why Refugee Resource?

For 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 in the UK. We offer counselling, psychotherapy and other therapeutic and practical support including mentoring, a womens service, a therapeutic football group for young men, and advice and advocacy support. 

Why Now?

Refugees and asylum seekers are facing extremely challenging circumstances in the UK right now. Still recovering from the impacts of the pandemic and lockdowns, they, along with many other people in our communities, are experiencing increasing hardships with dramatically rising costs of living - inflation is currently at a 40 year high of 10% and energy and fuel bills are increasing. Already we are seeing a rise in destitution amongst our clients as they struggle to make ends meet. This increases emotional distress and feelings of insecurity - for people who are already having to deal with so much in their lives. Added to this will be the far-reaching effects of changes being introduced through the new Nationality and Borders Act 2022, including the threat of being sent to Rwanda for those claiming asylum. 

Our services are needed now more than ever, and so we invite you to show solidarity and support for refugees at this critical time.

Our charity's work

Last year Refugee Resource worked with almost 250 people from 45 different countries, and with multiple referral partners and community groups - from GPs and the NHS to 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, it's 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.

Once in the UK their ordeal is not over. The asylum process (now becoming more hostile) 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.

Through our range of therapeutic services, we aim to improve mental and emotional well-being, reduce social isolation, and empower clients to address the issues affecting their lives.

My counsellor was amazing. When I was very distressed and really depressed because of problems with my documentation, I couldn't wait to see her, I knew she was going to be so supportive and great at motivating me not to give up. Refugee Resource have done everything in their power to help me. They make me feel cared for and valued.

Will you help us and Run for Refugees?

Lace up your trainers, kick-start a fundraising page and join our inspiring team of runners. We have a few spots left on our official team, or you can sign up independently or even run the race virtually. We're here to help if you have any questions - please do get in touch. 

THANK YOU for supporting Refugee Resource.