Our Mission
At GARAS (Gloucestershire Action
for Refugees and Asylum Seekers)
we offer support to 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 as well as helping them
adjust to their long term future
if they are recognised as refugees.
Contact Information
Gloucestershire Action for Refugees
and Asylum Seekers (GARAS)
111 Barton Street
Gloucester
GL1 4HR
Telephone: 01452 550528
Fax: 01452 538903
email: info@garas.org.uk
www.garas.org.uk
What can you do to help?
Volunteering:
GARAS is very fortunate to receive the help from volunteers who help GARAS in many different ways. We have volunteer English Teachers who help clients by providing lessons that are geared to their individual or small group needs. Welcomers help ensure clients do feel welcomed to GARAS and are a vital part of helping people to feel "safe". Some help with Advice others with IT skills. These are just a flavour of the ways volunteers contribute to the work of GARAS. If you are interested in volunteering please contact GARAS by e-mail or phone - see home page for contact details.
Campaigns
We are looking for people who are interested in occasional campaigning. It would involve e-mailing various ministers and airlines. Please e-mail info@garas.org.uk to be added to the campaigns list.
In Kind:
We often need bedding, food, household goods, toiletries and occasionally clothes. We currently (2011) need food such as tinned tomatoes, tinned fish and basmati rice (for destitute clients); as well as sugar (to provide welcoming refreshments to clients in the drop-in sessions). Please check the 'Urgent Need' section for further information, including suggested harvest donations.
Financial Support:
As a charity we receive funding from various grant making bodies. However, this can be very unpredictable and so we rely on the donations of individuals and organisations. We would like to continue to build up a support base so that whatever the political climate and local situation there can be relevant help for those who require it. You can help us to achieve this by setting up a standing order. If you would like to contribute towards our work please contact us for details of how this can be done.
If you would like to raise sponsorship for GARAS, by taking part in or organising an event, we would be interested in hearing from you. Please contact us if so.
Before doing any online shopping, register with http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/garas . Remember to use their website and they will donate money to GARAS from major retailer websites you shop at.