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.
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We launch partnerships with Banbury Therapy Centre and Connection Support.
Paul Sheehan becomes Chair.
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We launch Healing in the Arts with The International Tree Foundation (ITF).
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Refugee Resource is commended in the OCVA Volunteer Celebration Awards.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Belinda Coote becomes Chair.
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Antony Kingsley steps down as Director and Kate Hood becomes CEO.
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Antony Kingsley becomes Director and Ray Fishbourne becomes Chair.
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We support our 1000th client!
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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.
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The Oxford Refugee Support Project changed its name to Refugee Resource. We became a registered charity under this name in 2003.
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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.
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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.