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About Refugee Resource

Refugee Resource aims to relieve distress, improve well-being and facilitate the integration of refugees and asylum seekers – mainly in Oxfordshire – by providing practical, social and psychological support. We are committed to developing innovative solutions to the challenges provided by refugee psychosocial issues and providing services and projects in direct response to needs identified by refugees and asylum seekers involving refugees and asylum seekers in developing and running the services providing a confidential service to refugees and asylum seekers working in partnership with existing organisations so that we meet needs in a coordinated way, learn from others, and share what we learn working with the local media to ensure accurate and fair reporting of issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers offering training and consultation in psychosocial issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers to people working with them. Refugee Resource was established in 1999 and is based in Oxford. The organisation is managed by a Board of Trustees which includes refugees. Refugee Resource is a charitable company limited by guarantee. Registered charity no. 1098876. Registered company no. 4558542 (England & Wales)

Contact us

The Old Music Hall     T  01865 403280 / 0845 458 0055 106 - 108 Cowley Road F  01865 403281 Oxford OX4 1JE E  info@refugeeresource.org      Staff email addresses are in the form: forenamesurname@refugeeresource.org Map to find us Opening hours   Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm Staff Back row: John Seex, Counsellor (left July 2010); Bridget Crampton, Employment Advisor Middle row: Sushila Dhall, Counselling Service Co-ordinator; Dr Antony Kingsley, Deputy Director; Amanda Webb-Johnson, Director; Sue Snelders, Mentoring Outreach Worker; Tato Ayvazyan, Employment Liaison Officer Front row: Dave Todd, Administrator; Gemma Humphrey, Mentoring Service Co-ordinator; Janet Atkins, Counsellor; Eden Habtemichael, Women’s Service Co-ordinator;  Dan Clarke, Finance and Administration Manager Trustees  Sarah Hayward, Shereen Karmali, Tan Lea, Adrian Sell, Dr Orlando Trujillo-Bueno Website by [Toma:sh] and Rachel Wiggans

Employment and training

Refugee Resource’s Employment Service is for refugees and asylum seekers with permission to work. We offer one-to-one confidential appointments to help with deciding what job to look for where to look for jobs (jobsearch) application forms – application form tips CVs job interview practice – interview tips advice on training for work getting an unpaid work placement with a local employer to get work experience and work references We can help people who are unemployed – read about someone like this already in work but wanting a better job – read about someone like this thinking about getting a job in the future, but not yet To make an appointment phone the office or call in.We have a drop-in resource area (no appointment needed) with newspapers, information about work and employers, free tea and coffee, and computers connected to the internet for jobsearch and job applications. From time to time we run a one-day Health and Safety at Work course which gives a certificate recognised nationally.We work with a project for refugee health professionals.We also have a bursary fund which gives grants to help access work or training.

Funders

Information

Those born and brought up in the UK are privileged not to have had reason to flee their home country, and the stability that exists in the UK can sometimes make it difficult to understand the desperate circumstances that have led refugees to abandon their homes, jobs, families, friends and all that is familiar to them. But it is to Oxfordshire’s advantage to welcome them and the skills and abilities they bring. Some have previously worked as entrepreneurs, or farmers. Some are doctors, nurses, teachers or journalists. Others bring construction and engineering skills. Many are now contributing to Oxfordshire’s community and economy, in education, the NHS, in manufacturing, distribution, catering and many other jobs on which we all depend. History In 1914 Belgian refugees fleeing the First World War were welcomed in Bicester and Finmere. In the 1930s refugee academics from Nazi Germany found sanctuary at the University of Oxford. More recently, when Campsfield House in Kidlington became an immigration detention centre, some of those whose asylum claims were successful settled in the county on their release. Diversity There is great diversity amongst the individuals who are often lumped together as ‘refugees and asylum seekers’. The estimated 2,500 refugees living in Oxfordshire have fled from persecution or war in over 50 countries and speak over 50 languages. Who is a refugee, who is an asylum seeker?There is a lot of misinformation and ignorance about refugees and asylum seekers, which can lead to prejudice against them. Sometimes politicians and the media say things about refugees and asylum seekers that are incorrect. Find out some truths.

Mentoring

Refugee Resource’s Mentoring service provides support to refugees and asylum seekers aged 18 or over living in Oxfordshire by pairing them with mentors. Mentors are volunteers from a variety of backgrounds who befriend an individual through a one to one relationship. They provide practical support, such as helping mentees to fill out forms or access local services, and emotional support, guidance and encouragement.     To ask to be matched with a volunteer mentor, please contact us.Download referral formMore information about mentoringMore information about volunteering as a mentor.

Publications

Annual review 2008 – 09   Download pdf Annual accounts 2007 – 08  Download document Partnership – a way to work  Download pdf Rebuilding Lives: Evaluation Report on the Refugee Resource Employment Service April 2004 - Dec 2007 Download document  Evaluation Report on the Refugee Resource Counselling Service - September 2008  Download document  Survey of Oxfordshire refugee and asylum seeker skills and aspirations 2002  Download pdf Directory of Services in Oxfordshire  Download pdf In 2004, Refugee Resource won a National Information Forum ‘Getting the message across’ national award for the first edition of Asylum Seekers and Refugees – Directory of Services in Oxfordshire.

Counselling and therapeutic support

For refugees and asylum seekers we offer free counselling and psychotherapy to those aged 12 or more who are adjusting to life in the UK. We work with individuals, couples and families from Oxfordshire. Children under 12 can be seen with a parent or other family member.Appointments are with fully qualified and experienced counsellors, and are usually one hour a week. We provide interpreters if needed. This service is not for those who want only practical help or advocacy – clients must want to try counselling. We are happy to explain what counselling is It is possible to refer by form or talk it through on the phone. There is normally a waiting list but once counselling starts it continues as long as it is needed. Download referral form In 2006, Refugee Resource was awarded the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy’s ‘National Award for Excellence in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice’. We have a gardening project and a women’s group for refugees and asylum seekers. For organisations working with refugees and asylum seekers we offer a comprehensive training programme on working with refugees and asylum seekers a support and consultation role (e.g. to teachers, youth workers and Community Mental Health Teams) on individual cases joint working on individual cases.    

Useful Links

 About Immigration - the website aims to provide an easily understood guide to UK immigration. The site covers both the application process itself and information on every aspect of life in the UK.  Asylum Welcome - based in Oxford they work with asylum seekers, refugees and detainees to give them advice, support and access to their rights Ethnic Minority Business Service (EMBS) - has an office in Oxford and provides advice and training to members of ethnic minority groups, as well as to new and existing businesses.   Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture - the only organisation in the UK dedicated solely to the treatment of torture survivors. Mothertongue is based in Reading and is a culturally sensitive, professional counselling and listening service where people are heard with respect in their chosen language. Refugee Council- the largest organisation in the UK working with asylum seekers and refugees. They not only give direct help and support, but also work with asylum seekers and refugees to ensure their needs and concerns are addressed. Refugee Studies Centre is part of the University of Oxford and is the leading multidisciplinary centre for research and teaching on the causes and consequences of forced migration and refugees. Refugee Week is an annual UK wide programme of events which celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK.   STAR is a unique organisation giving university students the opportunity to: learn about and raise awareness of refugee issues in innovative ways, support refugees practically in their local communities through volunteering and campaign with and for the rights of refugees

News

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