We are a small charity based in London which supports refugees and asylum seekers all over the UK to access higher education, requalification and employment. Our core three programmes work together to support our clients on their journey from arriving in the UK to meaningful employment.
Language A Gateway Programme: In partnership with private language schools and universities across the UK, RefuAid provides intensive language tuition courses. This programme involves a collective of actors who have come together to provide a cost-effective solution to the language barrier. The programme provides up to 32 hours a week of structured English language support, as well as the exams and qualifications needed to access university or employment.
Equal Access Loan Programme: RefuAid launched the first and only nationwide loan scheme for refugees in 2017. The loan scheme provides support to those who have been granted refugee status and have full rights to remain and work in the UK. We offer interest-free, character-based loans of up to £10,000, for internationally trained refugees to pay for UK accreditation, re-qualification and training, enabling people to return to their prior professional fields. Loans are assessed on a character basis, harnessing the power of human relationships to provide lifelines for individuals with no alternative access to credit.
Employment Support programme: In 2020, we launched our Employment Programme, whereby we provide tailored guidance to professionals who are looking to re-enter the workforce. We work directly with employers to source paid positions and internships that are commensurate with the skills and experiences of RefuAid clients. In addition, we help with CV support, interview preparation and professional mentoring. This provides clients with an opportunity to gain experience, benchmark their skills and, most importantly, build a professional network and pathway for career progression.
