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Picture of two young participants at Oval House Theatre, London. Photo copyright Alison Locke

Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Children, families and individuals who arrive in the UK to seek protection from persecution are among some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

We are working in a number of different ways with selected partner organisations across the UK to ensure that all refugees and people seeking asylum are treated fairly, humanely and in accordance with international law, and that children seeking asylum are treated first and foremost as children.

We advocate for asylum policies that are fair, humane and protect the most vulnerable, we support organisations working with children and young people seeking asylum and we fund research that shows how asylum policy can be improved for the benefit of all.

Ensuring the welfare and protecting the rights of young refugees and young people seeking asylum in the UK has been a focus of our work right from the start.  Since 1999 we have given grants to over 100 grants to a wide range of organisations from large national bodies to smaller local refugee organisations.

While we continue to support our partners offering direct services today, we are now increasingly focused on achieving policy and legislative change which we hope will, in the long term, bring sustainable improvements to the lives of people seeking sanctuary in the UK.

Celebrating Refugee Diaries' children

Fund hosts tea party to celebrate the children of the Refugee Diaries.

Fund hosts tea party to celebrate the children of the Refugee Diaries.

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Fund grantee, Asylum Welcome, provides vital support for children arriving in the UK alone

Ajani, now 19, arrived here four years ago from Afghanistan. He has no idea if his parents are still alive and has had to grow up without them. But Asylum Welcome's staff are determined to offer him practical support - and friendship - while he remains here.

Ajani, now 19, arrived here four years ago from Afghanistan. He has no idea if his parents are still alive and has had to grow up without them. But Asylum Welcome's staff are determined to offer him practical support - and friendship - while he remains here.

find out more...