Who are we?
Refugees Rock started life in Liverpool three years ago as a collaboration between Action Asylum Liverpool, The Climbing Hangar and The British Red Cross.
Today we have 11 groups across the UK, working with local charities and climbing walls to provide free monthly climbing sessions to people fleeing war, persecution and exploitation. We’re building a UK-wide community that welcomes anyone seeking sanctuary, sharing the joy of climbing to promote wellbeing, fun and a sense of belonging.
Our climbing and charity partners offer their support and facilities free of charge. Our Refugee Rockers don't need any experience to get started - our brilliant coaches and volunteer Boulder Buddies make sure they're safe on the wall and bring bundles of energy and enthusiasm to every session, so everyone gets to have a top experience.
Why are we raising money?
We've made a film. With the support of some fantastic sponsors, 'Finding Freedom - Stories from Refugees Rock' premiers at Kendal Mountain Film Festival in November.
This is a huge moment for us, sharing the incredible stories of our climbers, who have endured so much with such courage and resilience.
We're in the process of registering as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation but until we're fully registered, funding opportunities are limited.
The release of the film will have a massive impact on awareness of our project and it's likely to generate lots of interest to help us grow. We want to make the best of this huge opportunity.
The money you donate will help us:
- Manage the launch of new groups so we can get them up and running quickly with the greatest possible impact
- Subsidise travel costs for new and existing groups - getting to the climbing facilities can be a major barrier to participation
- Recruit more volunteers so we can ensure groups run consistently, with plenty of support and local advocacy.
What Refugees Rock means to our climbers:
Being part of a community can be life-changing for refugees and asylum seekers as they find their feet in a new country. Climbing offers a unique opportunity to connect through shared experience, celebrating and learning together and enriching the lives of everyone involved through new friendships, diverse backgrounds and social integration.
“I like this kind of sport because there is no winner or loser, everyone will win together, we will all reach the top. We help each other. I like the climbing community because everyone is happy and friendly." - Fadi Bobo - Lebanon
Ways you can help
1. Make a pledge. Every pound helps us share the joy of climbing a little bit wider. On average, £600 covers the costs of a group for a year.
2. Spread the word. Share the Refugees Rock love far and wide - follow our social media, share our posts and lobby your local climbing wall or charity friends to get involved.
3. Register with us. If you work for a climbing wall, relevant charity or you fancy becoming a volunteer Boulder Buddy, register on our website. We'll match you with local partners and get your Refugees Rock journey started.
4. Watch out for the film release. It premiers at Kendal but we'll be touring round the UK in spring. Everyone who donates will get an early heads up when we have dates and locations and we would love to meet you!