Top five refugee organisations to support
At Harrogate College, we pride ourselves on creating a nurturing, kind and progressive environment for our students, staff and wider community.
As part of our commitment to providing life changing opportunities by working with the community, we’re passionate about supporting those in society who are disadvantaged, including refugees.
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 Harrogate District of Sanctuary is a charity that aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for refugees and asylum seekers in the district. They are committed to challenging negative stereotypes and discrimination through positive action.
Get involved by becoming a volunteer or donate to the charity here.
Harrogate Clothes Bank supports refugees and asylum seekers with free clothing. If you would like to donate clothing, take a look 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 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.