Entraide was set up in 2010 to support asylum seekers and refugees. We support around 500 individuals every year. Many of the people we support have come from war-torn countries such as Afghanistan, Syria, Eritrea, Sudan, etc. where they will have faced persecution and other human rights violations. Some will have witnessed the death of family’s members, the destruction of their homes, etc. When they arrive in the UK, many live in destitution and struggle to access the most basic amenities or mainstream services due to their unfamiliarity with the UK welfare system, language and cultural barriers and the government's "hostile environment" policy towards migrants.
Our charity provide them with a wide range of services to rebuild their lives and make a positive contribution into society. More details about our activities can be found from our website here. Our work with refugees was recognised by Solihull Council who awarded us a Civic Honours in the category "Community Involvement" on the 18th October 2016. Entraide also featured on the BBC One show in October 2016 when one of the Syrian young people we supported through our homework club went on to run the rickshaw challenge raising nearly 1 million pounds for BBC Children in Need. Very recently, Entraide was commended both in the Houses of Parliament and by Solihull Council for our work to support Afghan refugees repatriated to the UK and arriving through Birmingham Airport (see video here).
Over the past few months, we have seen a 50% increase in demand for our services. We therefore need resources (both human and financial) in order to be able to continue our work and effectively respond to this increased demand for our services. We currently employ 3 full time caseworkers to support these refugees but we need to recruit at least 1 more caseworker and ideally 2 more. We also need funds to provide starter packs (basic essential items such as clothes, toiletries, food) to newly arrived refugees, most of whom arrive without any possessions at all.
If you want to see the impact of our work, watch the stories of Zara and Christopher, two refugees we have supported recently.
Thank you in anticipation for your support