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- Refugee Support
'Arch is good. We come often with many problems. And always, always help us. They speak easy, good English. Arch is like family.' - Abdul and Abdull, Afghanistan.
'I went to Arch who helped me get things for my house. They also showed good ways to pay my bills. I will always go there when I need help.' - Selem, Eritrea.
Refugee Advice and Floating Support Service
Arch's refugee service started in 2002 and has assisted hundreds of refugees each year.
Refugees is the term given to ordinary people, who because of persecution, war, torture, political and social instability, have had to flee their own countries. They are displaced people and desperately want to settle down and make a positive contribution to our country.
Arch's refugee service:
- Provides refugees with information regarding the various kinds of accommodation in the area
- Gives practical help in setting up home, such as sourcing furniture and sorting out utilities
- Provides support to enable refugees to successfully retain their tenancies
- Enables service users to integrate into the community and live independently
- Signposts refugees to other services such as education, employment, recreational and cultural activities
Here are a few comments which refugees have made about themselves and how Arch helped them.
"I am in England; I am free, I am free!"
"Arch has provided a valuable service to me, being young and a single parent. The help I have received has been above and beyond excellent."
"Iran-Iraq war...yesterday's nightmare. My youth was lost in the savagery and waste of war. Damaged...but not destroyed. Thanks to Britain a new birth, fresh hope. I can dream again."
"I miss my family at home. I always cry at night. I do not know if they are still alive. I feel safe here."
"I miss my mother. We want peace in our country. I love England."
"I miss my home. I came to England for peace. I was in danger in my own country."
"The service I have received was very valuable as I was homeless and a place was found very quickly for me, and the support after moving in has been excellent."
