1. Orientation
Our orientation service provides short-term support to help vulnerable and newly arrived refugees adapt to life in a new country. Since many of our trained volunteers are refugees themselves, they speak a wide range of languages and can offer valuable support and advice. Wherever possible, all our information materials are translated into the main refugee languages.
2. Destitution
In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the number of asylum seekers facing destitution. From new arrivals to failed asylum seekers, thousands each year find themselves cut off from welfare benefits and entirely dependent on our support. In such cases, we can provide short-term emergency support and expert advice on accessing whatever limited resources are available to them.
3. Support for young people and refugee women
Each year, scores of unaccompanied young refugees arrive in the UK having fled their homes in traumatic circumstances. Our peer befriending volunteers offer a friendly welcome in an uncertain environment, providing useful advice and helping young refugees to develop their language and social skills.
Female refugees overwhelmingly come from countries where their rights have been severely restricted, and often lack the language skills and self-confidence to cope independently in an unfamiliar new environment. The Red Cross’ Women in crisis projects provide one-to-one social and emotional support, helping clients to access their basic rights and rebuild their lives.
4. Family reunion and resettlement
Sometimes refugees flee persecution in their own country only to find that the country in which they seek asylum cannot offer protection or basic human rights. In such cases, resettlement to a third country is often the only safe option. The Red Cross plays a specific role in bringing around the reunion of families who have been separated around the world, and who have been allowed by the Home Office to join their families in the UK.
Emergency large-scale arrivals
When large numbers of people arrive in the UK following a political or humanitarian crisis, the Red Cross is there to offer practical care and support. In the past, we have helped to manage the arrival of refugees from Bosnia and Kosovo, and evacuees from the Lebanon.
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