Refugee Council

Calling book-lovers! We have 3 copies of The Secret of Golden Island by Costa Award-winning author Natasha Farrant up for grabs – an action-packed summer adventure perfect for young readers. Skylar's old friends feel sorry for her, but they are too afraid to talk to her. Yakov's old friends are far away, blown across continents by war. When the two children meet, they recognise something in each other: a need for friendship and adventure. So when there's a competition to own nearby Golden Island, it's no surprise they decide to risk it all to win. For your chance to win, follow both us and the publisher Faber & Faber then let us know in the comment who you'd be gifting this book to if are the winner! Make sure you share this post with anyone that could find it interesting. The competition will close on Tuesday 17th September. Competition T&Cs: Entrants must be 18 or over and resident in the UK. Competition closes TIME on DATE. Three winners will be chosen at random to win a copy of The Secret of Golden Island by Natasha Farrant. The winners will only be contacted via Refugee Council. We will never DM you asking for personal bank details.

Join us in making a lasting difference for refugees and people seeking asylum. At the Refugee Council, we stand alongside refugees and people seeking asylum, supporting them as they rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. We’re looking for committed individuals to join our team and be part of this mission. 💼 We’re hiring for these key roles: - Graphic Designer - Community Development Worker - Resettlement Worker - Digital & Email Marketing Coordinator - Youth Casework Manager Each role plays a critical part in empowering refugees to thrive and ensuring they receive the care, respect, and support they deserve. Ready to take action? 👉 Visit our website for more info on how to apply: https://bit.ly/3ZkMTyT #Hiring #Recruitment #JobOpportunity #CharitySector

Sadly, many of the teenagers we work with arrive in the UK with no belongings – terrified, tired and cold. But like any other young person, they carry hopes, dreams, energy, and huge potential. Given the right support, we know they can start to recover and thrive.   While children across the UK are filling their backpacks for a new school year, unaccompanied refugee children who have fled conflict and persecution often arrive with nothing but the clothes on their back and hopes for a safer future.   You can help us change that. By supporting the Refugee Council, you are giving refugee children the chance to rebuild their lives, access education, and receive the care they need. Join us in making sure no child is left behind by considering donating today: https://bit.ly/4eeX6B2 📸: “Image of teenager wearing a red backpack”prompt, OpenArt.ai. #Refugees #Children #BackToSchool

🏠 Home is more than just a place—it's a feeling of love, safety, and belonging. For refugees, rebuilding that sense of home can be a challenging journey. At Refugee Council, we’re committed to helping people find safety and community. In 2023, we supported over 14,000 people seeking sanctuary to rebuild their lives in Britain. Read our Summer Update newsletter to learn how your support is helping refugees feel safe and at home. From assisting medical professionals like Farhad restart their careers to fostering community through art, together, we’re creating a Britain where everyone can find their place to call home. 🔗Click the link to read the newsletter and sign up for our email list to stay updated on how you can continue to make a difference in the lives of those seeking safety in the UK: https://bit.ly/3MBGesj

Young refugees often have their education abruptly interrupted because of conflict and displacement. Getting back to class is vital to helping them rebuild their lives in a new country. Education help them unlock opportunities that seemed impossible. For refugees like Haroon and Latif, education is more than textbooks and exams; it’s about finding a purpose and building a future. ‘To me, it’s like a passport to uncharted realms. My goal is to become a pilot—it’s not just a dream, but a plan I’m working hard to achieve. Without education, none of this would be possible.’ – Haroon For Latif, education is a way to help others: ‘I’m preparing myself to get into medical school, to work with the NHS, and to help people. Education is not a destination to reach, but a journey to explore. The more I learn, the more I realise how much there is to know. But I can’t help but think of my little sister and millions of other girls back home, deprived of this right. Without education, it’s so hard to find a purpose in life.’ Education helps bridge the gap between displacement and opportunity, transforming not just lives but entire communities. Unfortunately, accessing education is often difficult for young refugees in the UK: hostile policies, being moved around, and a lack of support all make it very challenging. What does education mean to you? Share your story in the comments and help us raise awareness of the transformative power of learning. Together, we can inspire change and create more opportunities for refugees in the UK. #Education #BackToSchool

Here are your weekly refugee stories: staying positive is tough, but we’re here to highlight resilience and hope. Would you like to see more positive stories in this format? Let us know in the comments ⬇️

For many, September marks the return to school, college, university, and other educational pursuits. Education is invaluable—it opens doors to careers, enriches our knowledge, and connects us with others. It allows us to engage with diverse perspectives and navigate different realities. This opportunity should be available to everyone, including refugees and those seeking asylum. Yet, for many refugees, the path to education is fraught with challenges. From language barriers to financial difficulties, the obstacles can seem insurmountable. But education is a powerful tool for integration and empowerment. It’s more than just a right—it’s a lifeline that can help rebuild lives and communities. That's why it's crucial to support educational initiatives that include refugees and people seeking asylum. By providing access to learning, we not only invest in their future but also enrich our societies as a whole. #BackToSchool #Education

As politicians return to Parliament this week, we’re looking at ways that our asylum system could work better for everyone. Here are messages from some of the experts who know best. ⚠️Refugee children are still being placed at risk in adult accommodation. 🛟Too many refugees have no safe way to apply to reach the UK. 💔Refugee families too often remain separated, because of our broken family reunion system. ❗We need safe routes, and a fair and humane asylum system. 📢Join us in asking the Government for simple changes that will save lives. #TogetherWithRefugees #saferoutesnow #FamiliesTogether #refugeeswelcome #UKpolitics

🚀We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our Lived Experience Career Development (LECD) Pilot Programme, running over the next nine months!    We are now tendering for experts to lead 9 innovative initiatives, with an additional 4 run in-house. These pilots aim to foster growth, share learning, and support refugee sector professionals with lived experience.   📢 What’s available? - The LECD Pilot Brief. A detailed overview of the programme, participant outlines, and timelines: https://bit.ly/4gdbADd - The Tender Application Process, which explains how and who can apply, and required due diligence: https://bit.ly/3z6qfPX If you’re an expert keen to tender for one or more initiatives, be sure to: 1️⃣ Review both documents to learn more. 2️⃣ Join our open Q&A session on 10th September for further insights. (Details in the Tender Application Process) 3️⃣ Submit your tender by 27th September. For those working in the refugee sector, we invite you to participate in the initiatives. The LECD Pilot Brief outlines which are open to external staff. Reach out to abi.long@refugeecouncil.org.uk if you’re interested in getting involved.   🔗 Please share this with your network, and anyone who might be interested in collaborating with us!   #CareerDevelopment #RefugeeSupport #TenderOpportunity

🚨BREAKING: At least 12 people lost their lives after a small boat capsized in the Channel off the coast of Le Portel in northern France, with others in critical condition. Today’s tragic loss of lives in the Channel is a stark reminder of the urgent need for safer routes and compassionate solutions. Read the full response on our website: https://bit.ly/4dNdQ2u