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GARAS’ purpose is to provide support to asylum seekers, refugees and certain other migrants

GARAS opens the door to support those seeking asylum in Gloucestershire, welcoming them when they arrive, advocating for them in their daily struggles, supporting them if they face being sent back and helping them adjust to their long term future if they are recognised as ‘refugees’. We work with those arriving within the asylum process and those being resettled here.

Our clients have fled persecution (including imprisonment, torture and abuse), conflict, famine or hardship in their home country and taken extreme risks to reach a place of safety. All are desperate for security and respect and to rebuild their personal and working lives in peace.

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Drop-in centre

Our drop-in centre is a safe encouraging space providing high quality assistance to clients through:

• information, advocacy and advice on asylum, immigration, housing, health, benefits, law, education, careers etc
  
• activities, refreshments and relationships
  
• access to other agencies
  
• help with practical needs
  
• psychotherapy for those suffering the effects of trauma*
  
• English for speakers of other languages

.* please note that this is on a referral basis only. To discuss referring someone to our Therapy Team, please email admin@garas.org.uk. Due to the nature of safety in therapy, and the parameters of the team, we are not always able to offer it.

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Liaison

We liaise with other agencies in Gloucestershire who encounter asylum seekers, refugees and other migrants. This includes negotiating access to services at a strategic level.

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Awareness Raising

We aim to work with other agencies, decision makers, statutory bodies, schools, churches and other interested parties and bodies, to inform and raise awareness of the issues facing those seeking asylum in the UK.

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Directions

GARAS is on the outskirts of the Gloucester city centre. If you catch a bus or train, get off at Gloucester and follow google directions to GL1 4SQ. If you walk or cycle, follow google directions to GL1 4SQ. If you car-share, there is on-street parking outside the Centre.

We are on the miniila app – if you are a young person, download the app and find us!