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

World Refugee Day – two worlds

June 22, 2023

I continue to contemplate the lives of those lost tragically at sea and the situations they faced and the language that is used to describe them.

Its World Refugee Day today and the theme that has been chosen for this year is Compassion.

How much Compassion are we seeing in recent legislation both here and across the world for those fleeing?

How much Compassion are we seeing in the use of language and the welcome provided?

How much Compassion is shown in the speed at which decisions maybe made?

The link here leads to a video on the Refugee Council Website that helps explain some of the effects of new legislation –

Dame Emma Thompson and other celebrities front moving new film calling on the government to protect refugees

However, I am also very aware that there are incredible, compassionate people doing so much. From large NGO’S helping in disaster situations
and on the front line,to people offering kind words and giving their time to give English classes or a welcome to their communities.
I am always amazed by the generosity and compassion of people who continue to prove that the rhetoric, that may seem overwhelming, is not the only way.

Happy Refugee Day.

Adele