About Us

We deliver services for asylum seekers and new refugees so they get the help they need. We use early action to avoid crises. This includes empowering our members to take action for themselves, building skills and confidence.

We are anti-racist and will not accept discrimination due to race, religion, sexuality, gender, disability, age, ethnicity, nor any other type of bullying or harassment.

We want a society where refugees, asylum seekers and migrants are welcomed. A society where everyone’s rights and entitlements are respected.

We run safe, welcoming drop-in sessions alongside advice and casework support.  Holistic services address many of the issues faced by asylum seekers: poverty, homelessness and insecure accommodation, social isolation, disempowerment, poor mental and physical health.

We work with partners to increase our impact, both in delivering services and contributing to local and national campaign work, and policy advocacy on issues affecting asylum seekers and refugees.

History

BRR began life in 2006 as a voluntary organisation, and has since grown to become the largest refugee and asylum seeker charity in Bristol. BRR supports refugees, asylum seekers and those with insecure immigration status.

We support them with in-depth and high level advice about the asylum system, entitlements and access to wider services. We advocate on behalf of our members to the Home Office, local authorities, the NHS, lawyers, schools and colleges, and other organisations, to make sure they are receiving the right amount of care, support and entitlements. We also provide material help like emergency funds, bus tickets and other such items to support the beginnings of their new lives in the UK.

BRR is a service delivery organisation but we also work to achieve systemic change. We fight for the rights and entitlements of people seeking asylum, advocating on their behalf in order for them to get everything they are entitled to, and doing our very best to fill the gaps where they arise. The climate around people seeking sanctuary in the UK is hostile and deeply troubling and we will continue to support everyone who wishes to find safety here in Bristol, and fight for systemic change into the future.

We Are Anti-Racist

Bristol Refugee Rights is committed to being an anti-racist organisation and inclusive to all. We will continue to strive for services to be led and delivered by a diverse group of people, with their lived experience of the asylum and immigration system at the centre.

We explore the intersections between race, immigration status and other equality issues and recognise that as an organisation working with asylum seekers and refugees, it is imperative we build our understanding of the discrimination faced by them and others in society due to each and all of these multiple and complex issues.

As part of our continued drive to be anti-racist, we regularly update our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policy which you can view here