Refugee Family Reunited in First Success for New Charity
Manchester, United Kingdom, March 10, 2011 --(PR.com)-- North West-based charity The Refugee Welcome Trust has reunited a mother with her two children today.
The family, from West Africa had been separated for more than two years, after their mother fled to the UK in 2009 following persecution.
The Refugee Welcome Trust helps those who have been granted Refugee Status in the UK to exercise their right to family reunion, which allows their spouse and dependent children to join them.
The charity was established in October 2010 by Amy Lythgoe and this is the first family to benefit from its work.
Amy said: “After volunteering at a refugee integration project I realised there was a shortcoming in the legislation that allows refugees in the UK to be reunited with their families but does not provide travel expenses.
“It’s been great to be able to make a grant so soon after getting set up and see a family benefit directly. We believe that no family should be kept apart simply through poverty and hope we are able to be in a position to help the next family soon.”
Case study: Marie*
Following persecution in her home country Marie,* 31, fled to the UK, leaving her children then aged seven and four in the care of relatives.
Marie gained Refugee Status in the UK in 2009 and she started the long and difficult process of applying through the Home Office to bring her children over. However, there is no statutory provision for the travel costs, which Marie couldn’t afford.
Marie receives weekly counseling at Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture, who referred to her to the Refugee Welcome Trust. Within four weeks the charity was able to provide a grant to cover the cost of the flights to the UK for Marie’s children.
Jude Boyles, manager at Medical Foundation North West, said: “As soon as Marie was granted refugee status, her priority was to bring her children to the UK.
“When the re-union process began, Marie had no friends or contacts to borrow money from to pay for the children’s flights. Without the Refugee Welcome Trust Marie would still be separated from her children. The Refugee Welcome Trust has been sensitive, responsive and extremely helpful and we are grateful to them for enabling Marie to bring her children to the UK.”
Marie said: "There is nothing more beautiful than to be able to live together with your family. Today, I am able to eat and I can laugh, and I can find enjoyment with my children.
“I would like to say thank you to the Refugee Welcome Trust for everything that was done for me. Before I had lost the joy of living, but today - even without money - I am happy. My children join me in saying thank you."
*Details of the family have been changed to protect their identity.
###
Editor’s notes:
The Refugee Welcome Trust is a small charity, based in the North West, which provides financial assistance to refugees in the UK who are unable to cover the travel costs for relatives to join them.
The Refugee Welcome Trust is run solely by volunteers.
To make a donation or fundraise on behalf of the Refugee Welcome Trust visit www.refugeewelcometrust.org
For further information please contact Amy Lythgoe: amy@refugeewelcometrust.org | 07929 337837
The family, from West Africa had been separated for more than two years, after their mother fled to the UK in 2009 following persecution.
The Refugee Welcome Trust helps those who have been granted Refugee Status in the UK to exercise their right to family reunion, which allows their spouse and dependent children to join them.
The charity was established in October 2010 by Amy Lythgoe and this is the first family to benefit from its work.
Amy said: “After volunteering at a refugee integration project I realised there was a shortcoming in the legislation that allows refugees in the UK to be reunited with their families but does not provide travel expenses.
“It’s been great to be able to make a grant so soon after getting set up and see a family benefit directly. We believe that no family should be kept apart simply through poverty and hope we are able to be in a position to help the next family soon.”
Case study: Marie*
Following persecution in her home country Marie,* 31, fled to the UK, leaving her children then aged seven and four in the care of relatives.
Marie gained Refugee Status in the UK in 2009 and she started the long and difficult process of applying through the Home Office to bring her children over. However, there is no statutory provision for the travel costs, which Marie couldn’t afford.
Marie receives weekly counseling at Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture, who referred to her to the Refugee Welcome Trust. Within four weeks the charity was able to provide a grant to cover the cost of the flights to the UK for Marie’s children.
Jude Boyles, manager at Medical Foundation North West, said: “As soon as Marie was granted refugee status, her priority was to bring her children to the UK.
“When the re-union process began, Marie had no friends or contacts to borrow money from to pay for the children’s flights. Without the Refugee Welcome Trust Marie would still be separated from her children. The Refugee Welcome Trust has been sensitive, responsive and extremely helpful and we are grateful to them for enabling Marie to bring her children to the UK.”
Marie said: "There is nothing more beautiful than to be able to live together with your family. Today, I am able to eat and I can laugh, and I can find enjoyment with my children.
“I would like to say thank you to the Refugee Welcome Trust for everything that was done for me. Before I had lost the joy of living, but today - even without money - I am happy. My children join me in saying thank you."
*Details of the family have been changed to protect their identity.
###
Editor’s notes:
The Refugee Welcome Trust is a small charity, based in the North West, which provides financial assistance to refugees in the UK who are unable to cover the travel costs for relatives to join them.
The Refugee Welcome Trust is run solely by volunteers.
To make a donation or fundraise on behalf of the Refugee Welcome Trust visit www.refugeewelcometrust.org
For further information please contact Amy Lythgoe: amy@refugeewelcometrust.org | 07929 337837
Contact
Refugee Welcome Trust
Amy Lythgoe
01706212497
www.refugeewelcometrust.org
Amy Lythgoe
01706212497
www.refugeewelcometrust.org
Contact
Categories