Our impact
In 2023 we made a short video to capture some of our clients’ stories about the difference which Refugee Resource has made to their lives. It gives a great overview of what we do and why it works.
“When I came to Refugee Resource I was quite unwell. I was going through depression because at this time my asylum was rejected. I really healed and how I’m a qualified nurse in the NHS. Refugee Resource is the reason I can sit here and say thank you. I was able to put myself together and be who I am today.”
Annual Report 2023 - 2024
We are delighted to share our annual report to showcase the impact of our work over the year. Thank you to all of our supporters for making this possible.
Read our Annual Report 2023 - 2024
Lubna’s story
Lubna started coming to Refugee Resource’s Women’s Group in 2024. This is her story.
“Now I have relationships with other women, I have some friends and I know how to get from my home to the group so I travel by myself every Monday. ”
Read Lubna’s story
Oxford Phoenix: the story so far
We were delighted to be featured on BBC news in June 2024 talking about our football project, Oxford Phoenix. Oxford Phoenix offers young men who are refugees and asylum seekers the chance to play football, make friends and access support. We run Oxford Phoenix with Asylum Welcome and Oxford United in the Community, who sent some star players to mark refugee week 2024.
“This team it means a lot to me, because since I came I was going through depression. I cannot sleep. I don’t have friends. Since I came to this team less thinking because you know football makes me happy.”
Listen to the story or read more here.
If you would like to support Oxford Phoenix, please make a donation.
Rasheed’s story
Rasheed* was a client at Refugee Resource and used our social inclusion support to move forward with his life in the UK. This is his story
“Refugees don’t want to claim benefits, they want to work and make progress. Refugee Resource does an excellent job of helping and makes a big difference to people’s lives.”
Read Rasheed’s story
Charles’s story
Charles volunteered as a Mentor with Refugee Resource in 2021 and 2022. He met with his mentee on a weekly basis for a year.
“I passionately think that everybody should support the work of Refugee Resource. It is about the whole business of loving your neighbour. People who are most excluded and most vulnerable are the people who most deserve care and attention.”
Read Charles’s story
New partnership with Iyengar Yoga
Refugee Resource are delighted to be one of the local charities supported by Iyengar Yoga in 2024. As well as a generous financial support, Iyengar Yoga are offering our clients the chance to access free yoga classes for one year.
Najada’s Story
Najada was born in Albania. In 1991 when the communist regime there fell from power, she and her family migrated to Italy. This experience shaped Najada’s life and her work. Since moving to the UK she has been a volunteer mentor with Refugee Resource and now works for us an interpreter in counselling sessions.
“It’s been an enriching experience for me”
Read Najada’s Story
Daniela’s Story
Daniela joined Refugee Resource as a volunteer mentor in January 2023. She completed her training and was matched with her mentee in May 2023.
“Wouldn't it be great if we all tried just for a split second, to see the world through their eyes and imagine what it would be like to walk in their shoes, to see asylum seekers as human beings?
Read Daniela’s Story
Annual report 2022 / 2023
Between April 2022 and March 2023 Refugee Resource supported 227 clients in total, with over half of those people accessing our counselling service.
You can read our full annual report here.
The impact of our women’s group
“Before I came to the women’s group my life was very isolated and I didn’t have anywhere I can go” ”
Amongst other therapeutic groups, Refugee Resource runs a weekly group for women to help build confidence and make social connections. We offer a range of activities and information to the group.
