Our history

Founded in 1997, Refugee Resource has a long history. We are proud to mention some of the key events here, and to thank everyone who has helped us over the years.

  • We launch partnerships with Banbury Therapy Centre and Connection Support.

    Paul Sheehan becomes Chair.

  • We launch Healing in the Arts with The International Tree Foundation (ITF).

  • Refugee Resource is commended in the OCVA Volunteer Celebration Awards.

  • Jacqueline Adusei becomes CEO.

    After a successful trial period the Refugee Football Group started running on a weekly basis. It runs in partnership with Asylum Welcome and Oxford United in the Community.​

  • We began circulating information about the COVID-19 pandemic in multiple languages, quickly transitioning services to be delivered remotely in order to protect staff, clients and volunteers and working closely with other local agencies.

  • We celebrated our 20th anniversary, which included publicity on BBC Radio Oxford, 15 runners taking part in the Oxford Half Marathon and a fundraising concert in partnership with the Radcliffe Orchestra at the JR Hospital, Oxford.

  • Belinda Coote becomes Chair.

  • Antony Kingsley steps down as Director and Kate Hood becomes CEO.

  • Antony Kingsley becomes Director and Ray Fishbourne becomes Chair.

  • We support our 1000th client!

  • We began a six-month project to improve the presentation of refugees and asylum seekers in the media. Our Women’s Group launched this year.

  • The Oxford Refugee Support Project changed its name to Refugee Resource. We became a registered charity under this name in 2003.

  • The Oxford Refugee Support Project (ORSP) was constituted as a charitable trust.​ After this consultations with clients told us that as well as therapeutic support they also needed help to access work and training opportunities.

  • Amanda Webb-Johnson starts discussions with statutory and voluntary organisations about how best to meet the mental health needs of local refugees and asylum seekers.​ This develops into a therapeutic gardening project for a small number of asylum seekers.​