In response to events in Ukraine, Afghanistan, and other regions, we have received numerous questions from students and staff asking how they can help. We have collated a list of opportunities for you to support vulnerable migrants from across the world in Bristol and overseas.
How you can help:
Donate money or fundraise
The majority of organisations are asking for funds rather than practical support on the ground in countries affected. If you are unable to make a financial donation, you can fundraise. Fundraising packs, ideas, and support are available.
- The DEC brings together 15 leading UK aid charities. Every pound donated by the British public will be matched by the government – up to the value of £20 million.
- STAR Student Action for Refugees legal fund pays for legal advice for our students seeking asylum. Donate or buy an item.
- In response to the growing numbers of forcibly displaced people globally, the University is pledging to double all donations made to Sanctuary Scholarships before the end of July 2022.
- Bristol City of Sanctuary transport fund helps those seeking sanctuary to attend services and appointments.
- Borderlands – Bristol charity working with vulnerable migrants through mentoring, meals, English teaching, and events. Donate or fundraise.
- Bristol Refugee Rights
- Bristol Hospitality Network in solidarity with destitute asylum seekers in Bristol by providing accommodation and support. Donate
- Refugee Women of Bristol. Donate or fundraise
- Take part in a challenge event such as a marathon to fundraise for Refugee Action
Donate items
- Aid Box in Bristol collects clothes and useful items for families from Afghanistan and 41 other countries settling in Bristol.
- Contact Bristol Hospitality Network to ask what items they require.
- Donate to a charity shop that funds humanitarian work in Ukraine, such as Save the Children or Oxfam (both have shops in Clifton)
Buy and support
- Buy a Sanctuary Scholar t-shirt from SU Basket shop or handmade jewellery from @sanctuarysshop on Instagram. Money raised go to the legal fund.
- Book – From Exclusion to Belonging: a collection of stories, poetry, and artwork by Bristol’s refugees and asylum seekers.
- As well as physical shops charities that provide humanitarian support have online shops where you can buy homewares, toiletries, gifts, etc see the Oxfam, British Red Cross, Save the Children, Unicef online stores.
Volunteer to support refugees in Bristol
- Homework club and conversation club
- Bristol Signing support – welcoming and supporting asylum seekers that are signing in the Home Office in Patchway Bristol.
- English teaching and English Teaching Assistants
- 1-1 reading, cooking skills, arts and crafts, and Esol for Women and their children
- Drop-in volunteer (welcome people, run activities, or serve meals to the community)
- Mentor a refugee or asylum seeker
- Communication and fundraising volunteers
- Provide meals and support for tenants at an 11-bed men’s house for asylum seekers in Bristol
Host a refugee in a spare room
Stay informed
- Sign up for Bristol City of Sanctuary monthly newsletter
- Refugee action runs campaigns that seek to inform and change systems to support refugees.