Restore seeks to change negative attitudes about asylum by raising awareness in the host community about human rights abuses and the need for people to flee persecution and seek sanctuary. This is achieved through speaking engagements, training courses, participation in church services and school classes, and circulation of information and resources.
A key outlet for this work is our training course for potential volunteers or anyone wishing to find out more about ‘Who is fleeing persecution and seeking sanctuary?‘. Over 3 interactive sessions we explain who is a refugee, give an introduction to the asylum application process and explore the practicalities of befriending, which is at the heart of all that Restore does. Each course includes contributions from a volunteer befriender and a refugee who gives personal input on the impact of the asylum process on them. It is these personal stories which speak most powerfully to participants.
To find out more about the training course, and more about what Restore does, email Josh.
One campaign that we have recently been involved with is the #TogetherWithRefugees campaign, a coalition of organisations big and small who believe in showing compassion for people fleeing war, persecution or violence.
We are calling for a kinder, fairer and more effective approach to supporting refugees. This means standing up for people’s ability to seek safety in the UK no matter how they came here. It means ensuring people can live in dignity while they wait to hear if they will be granted protection. It means empowering refugees to rebuild their lives and make valuable contributions to their communities. We are raising awareness of this campaign to give others the chance to join us.
You may have seen the #OrangeHeart🧡 on social media – why not share this to your own profile and stand up for a fairer and more welcoming approach to refugees.
Another recent campaign that Restore has spoken up about is the Lift the Ban campaign. We, along with many other people and organisations, believe that asylum seekers should be given the right to work. Not only does this ban have an impact on the asylum seeker (with mental health and finances taking a hit), but the UK economy also misses out on tax revenue and much-needed specialists by leaving people frozen in poverty.
Join us in the campaign to #LiftTheBan by sharing it on your own social media page. To find out more about the campaign, click here, and for the campaign report, click here.
Another great way for you to join us in raising awareness is to follow us on our social media. We will regularly post about issues that refugees and asylum seekers face, and by sharing those posts, you can help to raise awareness with your friends and family. Click below to find our social media pages.
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