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)
The Trust Centre
Falkner St
Gloucester
GL1 4SQ

Telephone: 01452 550528
General enquiries: info@garas.org.uk
Administrative enquiries: admin@garas.org.uk
www.garas.org.uk

Director
Adele Owen

Lenten Challenge

February 23, 2017
Thinking of giving something up for Lent?  Why not give up some of your financial freedom and live on asylum support rates during the build up to Easter?  Lent starts on Wednesday 1st March this year.  Asylum seekers living in Gloucester are often living in shared accommodation and if they are destitute at the time of their asylum application, can apply to the Home Office for subsistence whilst awaiting the outcome of their asylum claim.  The money paid is much less than that of mainstream benefits and can be a challenge to live on.  Why not give it a try, and donate the money you save over Lent, to GARAS or another organisation working with asylum seekers refugees across the globe?

A flat rate of £36.95 per person per week applies.  This covers: food; toiletries; clothing; washing equipment; laundry; travel; mobile phone.  This doesn’t include: utility bills; rent payments; work expenses (as asylum seekers are prohibited from working); petrol (asylum seekers aren’t allowed to have driving licences) or expenses for pets (no pets allowed in asylum supported accommodation).

Give it a try – live on £36.95 weekly per family member, and let us know how you get on.