World Refugee Day: Message from our CEO
World Refugee Day is a special day for reflection, congratulations and collective thinking here at ACH. Indeed, with offices in Bristol, Birmingham and Wolverhampton and over 11 years’ experience of working directly with refugees, we understand the enormous benefit they continue to bring to their adopted countries and communities.
Where once matters surrounding refugees were discussed on the periphery, today they are at the centre of international political campaigning and thinking. The mere term ‘refugee’ ignites a fury of opinions, many of which serve to further dehumanise the most vulnerable group of people that exist today. The ongoing wars coupled with the global scramble to find quick-fix solutions, only serves to exacerbate the issue and stands as further evidence that the world’s most pressing issue will continue for some time to come.
At ACH we have always stood with refugees as we continue to advocate, promote and practice partnership to ensure refugees in the UK are not only welcomed but feel supported. After what for many of us would be an impossible and traumatising experience, we are adamant to create a space where refugees are given the opportunity to re-establish themselves so that they may create a new place to call home.
The negative narrative surrounding refugees in the mainstream press seeks to inflame the already existing anti-immigration sentiments that have gained traction and validation throughout Europe. Yet, in our decade of working directly with refugees, we are yet to meet a refugee willingly opting to leave behind all that they know and hold dear for a foreign land. The gripping stories of violence, displacement and family separation that surround our tenants are traumatising to hear, let alone live through. If the trauma wasn’t enough, the subsequent prolonged imprisonment in detention camps and refugee camps add to the stress and pain of the unknown. These are but a handful of emotions refugees come to know, even after having escaped with their lives and the clothes on their back unto the shores of safety.
At ACH, we have witnessed the untapped assets refugees are to their new adopted countries. Most of them are young, hardworking and in many cases, come equipped with skills, languages and experience. However, once they arrive in their new countries they need holistic and culturally sensitive support aimed at rebuilding their confidence, helping them to come to terms with their difficult experiences as refugees and navigating an often unfriendly maze of public services which are vital for their welfare. As one former refugee tenant, now proudly in full-time employment in Bristol said, “All the doors are open and closed at the same time.” The job of ACH and its partners is to ensure that the refugees are able to open these doors confidently, so that they can do the same for others as integrated and productive citizens of their new communities.
ACH’s package of supported housing, skills training and language support is a successful model built on the concept of holistic support, with an aim of achieving meaningful and sustainable social inclusion for refugees. Neither housing nor jobs alone, as important as they are, can achieve inclusion. Patience, support, guidance and skills acquisition are vital elements which must be combined for refugees to lead an independent and meaningful life in their new homes.
In this difficult political period for refugees internationally, ACH has enhanced its refugee awareness programs to include digital campaigning. We proudly launched our #rethinkingrefugee campaign which aims to educate the wider public about the realities associated with being a refugee and the positive contribution they make in our lives. We at ACH are a witness to this truth as we make a vow to continue empowering refugees to become integrated and successful citizens.
