Thames Valley Refugee Support

Care4calais volunteers are supporting many refugee families, teenagers and young men living in Thames Valley and surrounds. War creates refugees and people come often to us with little more than the clothes they stand up in. Hostile policies have created many hardships within the asylum system, meaning we are also supporting refugees against forced deportations to Rwanda, helping the most vulnerable to access support and legal representation, as well as looking after a growing number of homeless refugees who have been granted protection. 

We provide direct aid by gathering donations of clothing, shoes, toiletries, food, tents etc. But also try to aid integration and relieve boredom by organising English lessons, play sessions, football groups and other social activities.  

Wherever possible we aim to be sustainable, sourcing second-hand items. We refurbish bikes so people can ride to food banks. We collect old phones and laptops, and have a project to help get internet access for the families we support. Internet access is deemed a luxury and not supplied by housing providers, and yet families need to respond to Home Office queries, access medical appointments and education online, and keep in touch with loved ones.

We need to fundraise to buy items like new underwear, toiletries, bras, bike helmets, baby bottles and other essentials. And to run our drop-ins and social clubs. 

In 2023 we supported refugees from 57 different nations, supplied clothes to almost 2000 people, gave gifts for Christmas, Easter and Eid, supported hundreds of children into school and made sure they had uniforms and supported refugees into independent accommodation.

We couldn't do this without the support of the wonderful public donations.  Thank you for your support, and please remember to tick gift aid if you can.

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A family we have been supporting for a few years, while they wait for their asylum claim to be assessed, have a little girl who has been rushed into in Gt Ormond Street Children's Hospital for major brain surgery. L is a delightful little girl, who learned English quickly, settled into school here and is popular with her peers and teachers.  They have other children in primary school and are trying their best to keep things normal for them, but Mummy needs to travel to the hospital each day. They have had some charity help with travel costs but are still struggling. We would very much like to help the family with some travel tickets, some food vouchers to spend in the hospital and small gifts for the children and Mum. 

If you can help we'd be so appreciative. You can donate via our fundraiser, annotate your donation "L's hospital fund" and we will use your donation directly for this family. 

Many thanks for your kindness. With love Care4calais Reading and L's family 💕

As we go into winter, we're finding many of our friends need vitamin supplements, particularly vitamin D as their skin is darker and less able to absorb our limited sunlight. To add to that, the food they receive is generally poor quality and lacking the requisite nutrients, which in turn has a detrimental effect on their mental health.

If you can spare a little change to add to our fundraiser, it would enable us to purchase more multivitamins for the most vulnerable.

Much appreciated as ever 🥰

Our volunteers work closely with asylum seekers stuck in Home Office hotels, waiting endlessly for their protection claims to be heard. Every day we hear stories of dreadful loss, great bravery and witness the resilience that it takes to leave behind your normal life and start afresh as a refugee. Last weeks riots, some of which directly targeted the asylum accommodation has provoked a roller coaster of emotions across our communities, shock, fear, anger and an increase in the ever pervasive anxiety, but also hope, compassion and kindness. 

The experience of crowds of thugs gathered outside asylum hotels shouting racist abuse, setting them alight and barricading the exits, has been terrifying and triggering. The endless spreading of rumours about where the next target might be making people afraid to leave their rooms. Parents and young adults are reporting an increase in nightmares and flashbacks. 

We are in constant contact with those we support. Our wellbeing and direct aid activities continue, human connection is more important than ever. 

We asked those we support was the most valuable thing we can do to help. Overwhelmingly the response was to keep in contact, keep sharing information and reassurance and making sure people don’t feel abandoned. 

Many people have asked how they can help. All our volunteers are unpaid and in order to make sure we can offer activities and treats at this time we'd love it if you can spare a few pounds to help us show that we are a welcoming and kind nation. Remember that most asylum seekers cannot work or access benefits and survive off just £8.68 per week. Help us make the summer one to remember for good reasons.

Can you help keep Mo on his bike? 

Some of you have been following the story of Mohammad Ganjkhanlou who is a gold medal-winning elite cyclist seeking asylum in the UK. Mohammad, an Iranian, has won 4 gold medals, two silver and 6 bronze and competed in the world championships. He was placed in a hotel in Reading by the Home office and has joined Reading cycling club who have supported him with training, entering races and travelling to races. He has asked if anyone can help him repair his bike so that he can continue training and racing. 

“I've been living here for 10 months, and during that time my bike equipment has worn out. The rainy weather and falling on the ground during my last competition has caused my equipment to break and become irreparable. I have found some second-hand equipment that is very affordable but still in good condition. I can use them to continue my training and competitions.”

We need to raise £395 to keep his bike on the road. Can you chip on to help Mohammed? Or share our fundraiser. For funds to go specifically to Mohammed’s please comment “Mo’s bike fund” when donating. Many thanks 🙏