Stand with Refugee Families: Winter Appeal

Aim

We are raising money to stand with and support refugee children and families facing financial hardship living in the North East of England.

Imagine arriving in the UK to build a new life, having fled war, violence and persecution. You may even be separated from your family…

Why are we crowdfunding?

Most refugees arriving in the North East of England will be placed in areas with the highest levels of child poverty and economic deprivation in the country. Around 1.5 million children with migrant parents live in poverty and are more likely to be in very deep poverty compared to non-migrant children (IPPR, 2024).

People seeking sanctuary in the UK are expected to live on as little as £7 a day. When factoring in essential items and transport, this isn't enough to make ends meet and pushes many families well below the poverty line.

One mum of three told us: "I have to spend £36.50 on bus tickets just to get my boys to school each week. I use the local food bank but the cost of everything is so high, it's very hard to live."

Who are we, and what is our project about?

Action Foundation is an award-winning charity that has been supporting people seeking sanctuary in the North East of England for more than 15 years. Our vital services provide free English teaching, 1-to-1 casework, emotional support, youth work and safe accommodation to empower adults and children to thrive and realise their full potential.

We are crowdfunding to help refugees overcome financial barriers, access opportunities and provide solidarity to those struggling in difficult times. This is needed now more than ever as our community faces an increasingly hostile environment, including anti-migrant headlines and protests on the streets.

How we’ll spend the money raised

Through generous donors like you, we'll provide safe, positive environments to help over 300 refugee children and 2,800 adults thrive. We help refugees access the skills, confidence and knowledge to become financially independent. 

• £5 could buy a hot meal for a single parent visiting our drop-in
• £10 could buy a weekly travel ticket to our free Employability classes
• £20 could buy a school starter kit for a newly arrived child
• £50 could buy a new set of warm bedding for a child in supported accommodation 
• £100 could buy lunches for a young person attending activities, preventing holiday hunger 
• £250 could provide a space in our supported accommodation for a month, giving someone a place to stay until family reunion

How YOU can help!

There are three simple ways to get involved and support refugee children and families this winter:

1. Make a donation

Every pledge gets us closer to our goal. Early support can help build momentum and inspire others to give too. Every donation you make* to our Crowdfunder appeal will be doubled thanks to the Aviva Community Fund who are match funding our appeal this year. That means anything you give will have twice the impact.

2. Hold a fundraiser

Christmas jumper days, festive bake sales, a Christmas quiz – if you’ve an idea for a fundraiser in your workplace or community group, we’d love to hear from you. Or if you’re a shop or restaurant owner, could you consider giving a percentage of a day’s takings in the Christmas run-up? Donate on our Crowdfunder page to double your donation!

3. Spread the word

Share our project with friends, family and your wider network. The more people we reach, the more likely we are to succeed.

You can keep up to date with client stories and how your support makes a difference on our social media, website & newsletter.          

THANK YOU FOR STANDING WITH REFUGEE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THIS WINTER.

* Every donation up to £250 will be match funded by the Aviva Community Fund 

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made