Top five refugee organisations to support
Across the globe, millions of refugees have fled their countries as a result of war, violence, conflict and persecution.
According to the UN Refugee Agency, 84 million people have been forcibly displaced worldwide. 4.4 million of these people are asylum seekers, and 26.6 million are refugees.
Statistics show that as of mid-2021 within the UK, there were 135,912 refugees, 83,489 pending asylum cases and 3,968 stateless people.
These staggering statistics demonstrate the large proportion of refugees and asylum seekers who have fled to the UK, and often face many challenges as they try to rebuild their lives.
How can we help?
There are many ways in which we can make a difference to refugees living in the UK.
The best way to show your support is by getting involved with organisations who provide advice and help to those who need it.
Here is a list of the top five local, regional and national charities and organisations that you can support.
The Good Shepherd Centre in Keighley supports and welcomes asylum seekers and refugees by offering them a place of safety. They offer a range of services from English lessons, health advice and practical assistance with clothes and furniture.
There are a number of ways you can support The Good Shepherd Centre either by donating here, joining their team of volunteers or fundraising. If you would like to do something different, there are other ways to give here.
Craven Refugee Support Network is a collection of groups around Yorkshire that aim to support refugees by raising money and awareness about refugee issues and providing financial support to refugee organisations.
Take a look at ways you can support here.
Solace offers psychotherapy to refugees and asylum seekers across Yorkshire and the Humber. Specialising in trauma and persecution, its practitioners provide talking therapy to individuals, families and children.
Solace has options to either leave a gift in your will, set up regular donations or submit a one-off donation.
The UK’s largest provider of services for refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants. The organisation is dedicated to ensuring people find safe and legal routes to new countries and provide essential aid.
Show your kindness by discovering local volunteering opportunities or gaining work experience.
Safe Passage is a charity that works across Europe, particularly in the UK, to ensure unaccompanied refugee children, who are often at risk of trafficking and abuse, find safety and security after arriving in the UK. They have helped nearly 2,000 children to date.
You can donate here.