We want leave a positive impact on our community in a lasting and meaningful way. For the past 15 years we have done this by supporting an extremely vulnerable group of people, often overlooked and misjudged by society, refugees and asylum seekers, people who have had to flee their homes and native countries because of fear, war and persecution.
Our vision is to provide each person in our community with not only practical support and advice whilst they navigate the complex legal system of the UK but also to give them warmth and a friendly supportive environment, in which they can start to rebuild their lives.
As a small charity run mainly by a group of volunteers we are trying to raise vital funds to help our community in the most simple and basic ways, by providing care packages of food, essential items such as nappies, toothpaste and shampoo, access to basic healthcare and legal advice, as well as how to access mental health services.
We do it simply because we care. We also get to see the impact our small gestures of help, kindness and funding can really have on people, which is a real privilege. Having spoken to many people in our community we know that we have a kind and caring place to live which we want to really harness to provide as much help as we can to our clients.
We asked our volunteers and clients what impact the charity has had on their lives and these are just a few things they said;
One client turned volunteer said:
"Personally, my life had been turned upside down and I had very bad days. During these difficult days, the volunteers of the charity always supported me and helped me in different ways. They helped me to develop links with my community and form relationships through attending ESOL classes, parties and other events, and arranged social activities like trips to football games and museum visits for my kids which I can’t afford.
I think volunteering increases self-confidence and provides a natural sense of accomplishment too. The more you give the happier you feel and I feel happier and healthier."
Another client said:
"My life was turned upside down! This situation impacted on my self-esteem. A sense of hopelessness crept in. I was not able to provide for the family and having to spend all day in the house, not due to sickness, is demoralising to say the least.
Eventually, after four years in this predicament, I was granted the right to work with great support from WTRRP (our official name). The charity has been an anchor through the challenges we faced as a family. Last year I managed to find a casual job during Christmas time. I was thrilled to be able to tell my children that I was going to work."
Amina was forced to flee her home country without her family.
She was alone for two and a half years before her family was able to join her and her health suffered as a result of the stress.
"To start with, I just needed someone to listen to me" she said. "I’m really thankful to WTRRP for doing that"
The money we raise from this crowdfunder will be used to buy:
- food parcels
- school uniform
- nappies
- basic toiletries
- sanitary products
- essential training and English lessons
- school supplies
- simple pleasures like books or chocolate (not available when you live an uncertain and hand-to-mouth existence)
This is where you come in, our fantastic, warm and welcoming community! We know 2020 has knocked us all for six and has had an astonishing impact, so we are asking you, IF YOU CAN, please donate and support other people already struggling. If you can't donate we understand, and are asking you to come and join us on social, tell your friends and family about us and our campaign, like and share! Imagine what we can do together!!! If everyone who could donate the price of a coffee who lived or worked in Hertfordshire we would be able to do so much.
With all the gratitude in the world,
Watford Refugees aka WTRRP