Our Community Hub Receives Funding from The National Lottery Community Fund
We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our journey towards supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Kingston. Thanks to the generous funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, we are excited to formalise our project, the Refugee Action Kingston Community Hub, dedicated to addressing the insecurities faced by those navigating the refugee experience.
The past few years have been particularly challenging for our community, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating existing hardships. The process of seeking asylum, coupled with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, has only added to the struggles faced by refugees and asylum seekers. In response, the RAK Community Hub aims to provide hope and much-needed support in these difficult times.
At the heart of the RAK Community Hub is a commitment to holistic care. We have leveraged the lessons learned during the pandemic and combined them with years of experience to create a comprehensive program tailored to the needs of asylum seekers and refugees. Our approach offers wrap-around support that addresses not only practical challenges but also nurtures emotional well-being and social integration.
Our Community Hub provides a safe space where individuals can find support, understanding and friendship.
Refugees and asylum seekers often face multiple risks, including poverty, language barriers, and discrimination. The journey to the UK is fraught with trauma and insecurity, which can persist even after settling in a new community. Social isolation and loneliness further compound these challenges, hindering progress and integration. The RAK Community Hub recognizes these struggles and provides a safe space where individuals can find support, understanding, and friendship.
Our sessions are carefully curated to promote communication, creativity, and community building. From creative workshops to cooking and dining together, every activity is designed to empower our clients and foster a sense of belonging. We believe in the power of friendship and the bonds that form within our hub are vital to those who attend.
Our Walk and Talk sessions are an integral part of the Community Hub
Currently, we offer daily sessions in community settings, providing opportunities for skill-building, learning English, advocacy and networking. Moving forward, we are excited to expand our offerings to include practical skills and hobby-based activities. Our Walk and Talk sessions on a Monday are an integral part of the Community Hub and often the first step to engaging with everything that RAK can offer for clients and volunteers. Walk and Talk is a great start to the week and an opportunity to meet new people, talk about your needs and concerns and practise English with a volunteer whilst walking.
We are immensely grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund for their support. It is all too easy for our clients to become socially isolated and feel lonely, which can have detrimental effects on their health and wellbeing. Together, we are building a community where refugees and asylum seekers can thrive, overcome challenges, and forge new beginnings.