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

Moving

May 25, 2018

Yesterday my mother moved out of her home of 35 years, a home full of memories, happy times and sadder ones. Even though I never lived there it remained an anchor place in my life, and holds a special place in my children’s memories as well – a funny set of emotions.

This got me thinking – the decision to move is hers, she will only be a few miles from the original home, she will remain amongst her friends and know her neighbourhood. So what’s it like when it is not by choice?

What happens when you are forced to leave?

When you have no planned packing up or knowledge of your next steps?

When decisions are on the hoof?

Or when you come home to find it has gone?

What happens to those memories? Those connections?

We often talk of multiple bereavements faced by refugees and sometimes we get a tiny understanding of how complex they may be. Here is just one of those bereavements and glimmers of a faint reflection of the client experience.

Adele