Support for refugees

Cotswold District Council pledges to support refugee families wherever possible and is a partner in the Gloucestershire Strategic Migration Partnership.

Across the county, we have welcomed families as part of the Syrian Vulnerable Person Resettlement Scheme, Homes for Ukraine and have responded to the national effort to support the resettlement of Afghan nationals who have supported the British mission in Afghanistan.

We work with health, education and social care teams and in partnership with Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (GARAS) to make sure their needs can be fully met, and they are supported to build a new life here in the UK.

How you can help

A number of charities and non-governmental organisations operate appeals specifically aimed at refugees. However, there are many more charities and not-for-profit organisations out there that are also supporting various humanitarian causes. We recommend that before donating you read up about them to understand how your activities and donations will be used in support of their work.

For more information and to offer help please:

• visit the Government’s response website or
• visit the Red Cross website

Donating money and/or goods locally

We recommend that you contact Gloucestershire Action For Refugees and Asylum Seekers (GARAS) on 01452 550528. GARAS liaises with other agencies in Gloucestershire who encounter asylum seekers, refugees and other migrants.

This includes negotiating access to services for refugees at a strategic level; offering support to those seeking asylum in Gloucestershire; welcoming them when they arrive; advocating for them in their daily struggles; supporting them if they face being sent back; and helping them adjust to their long-term future if they are recognised as refugees.

Please also contact your local church - we know that prominent members of the clergy are keen to assist.

Donating money through national appeals

Most charities say they prefer a financial donation so they can target aid to where it is needed. The list below is not exhaustive, but a sample of the many national appeals that have been launched; some have spelt out exactly what a specific donation could provide.

• The Disaster Emergency Committee website is the main appeal being run by the UK’s Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) and the one the Government is encouraging people to donate to so the funds can be shared across a range of charities
• British Red Cross - support people in this conflict by supplying shelter, medicines, water, food and clothes
• Oxfam - people can donate through the website or in their shops
• Save the Children
• UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) - work with local authorities in Ukraine
• UNICEF - deliver lifesaving programmes to children along with water to heavily affected areas of war
• World Food Programme
• Refugee Action

Please be safe online when donating money. Ensure that you research any organisation or website that asks for money before submitting your payment details.