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

Post Office Syndrome

November 16, 2021

I was introduced to Post Office Syndrome on Friday by two asylum seekers.

This is their terminology for the experience of waiting for the post.

You never make a morning appointment because you don’t want to miss the post. Then you sit and wait trying to hear if anything will be delivered today.

If the postie walks past that is another day to wait.

If there is the sound of the letter box, then your heart goes thump, thump, thump in case there is something for you.

If there a letter addressed to you then your heart is jumping out of your chest – what does it say?

Is it finally a call for the interview you have been waiting for two years to attend? Is it a refusal? Is it the Home Office challenging a positive decision?

Or is it, just possibly, the delivery of your Biometric Residence Permit? The card you have been waiting so long for… the opportunity to start again.

Such a common experience, sadly. Such a powerful description.

Adele