We are raising funds in response to the huge demand for our work which will enable us to open Refugee Connection for one extra day a week
by Refugee Conenction in London Borough of Camden
All additional funds raised will go directly towards the running costs of Refugee Connection and ensuring its sustainability and longevity. The vast majority of Refugee Connection's work is undertaken on a voluntary basis, so our main area of expense is rent. These extra funds would enable us to have a more permanent home and enable our network to flourish.
We are aiming to raise £4,000 to enable us to to expand Refugee Connection. We are currently limited to operating one day a week from our home at the Calthorpe Project, but in order to respond to the huge demand for our work, and as directly requested by our network, we are planning on opening one extra day per week.
Refugee Connection is a small grassroots charity operating in the heart of Camden. It was founded by two friends, with extensive experience in this sector, who have a shared concern for the welfare and well-being of refugees and asylum seekers living in London. Refugee Connection seeks to reduce the social isolation experienced by refugees and asylum seekers which is an invisible crisis in our communities.
As London becomes more diverse it is also becoming more segregated. 90% of people with refugee status at Refugee Connection, who have been living in London for at least 2 years, but some for up to 20 years, told us that they did not know a single British person before joining our organisation. We aim to change this by connecting Londoners all over the city with people seeking asylum and those with refugee status who would never usually meet.
In the past 9 months our network has grown to around 80 people and is continuously expanding. On average 4 new people join our organisation every week and through our One to One Project we match an average of 4 pairings per month.
We diverge from orthodox integration models and have created a framework built on mutual respect, dignity and trust. We have witnessed time and time again the detrimental effects that bureaucracy and rigid structures have on the quality of life, and in some cases hinder integration. We pride ourselves on our innovative and simplistic approach and have seen the transformative potential of these connections and the positive ripple effects these authentic relationships have on the wider community.
"When I come to Open house, my stress and headache disappear, and when I speak to friends here I just feel much better. We eat good food, chat... people are interested in getting to know me, my English is improving so quickly. I genuinely enjoy it here...I have hope for the future now"
Aliah, 28, from Afghanistan, arrived in London 2 years ago and joined our organisation 6 months ago.
“Refugee Connection gives me a chance to make new friends, improve my English. It gives me a new outlook on life, new potential, a new everything … a new way to live. It has showed me that life as a refugee isn’t just ‘brown’ … life has colour again”
Kamal 35, from Sudan, arrived in London 6 years ago and joined our organisation 8 months ago.
The total cost of renting a space one extra day per week for a whole calendar year is £4,000. This breaks down to just £333.50 per month and £77 per week.
Every small contribution enables us to continue our work in the community and grow our network. Please help us to reach our goal and ensure the sustainability of Refugee Connection by contributing to our fund. Please share widely with friends, family and colleagues.
We appreciate every single contribution made and wish to express our gratitude for your belief in Refugee Connection. X
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