Volunteering
The fantastic team of volunteers at BRR is fundamental to the work of the organisation. Without the energy and commitment of volunteers we simply could not deliver our services.
Thank you to our members for sharing their stories. All names have been changed to protect the people who have shared their stories.
When we met Musa he was struggling with depression and trauma symptoms. He had escaped persecution in Nigeria but some of his friends had not been so lucky. In Bristol, he felt alone and unsure who he could trust.
When Musa joined our Pride Without Borders project, it quickly became clear that underneath the trauma and the learned caution was a big personality with a lot to give. He was a big support to other members in the group, and when he finally was granted refugee status, he brought us a pizza with the last ten pounds in his bank account.
Musa moved to London and recently came back to see us with his boyfriend. It was a delight to hear that he has found a job as a trainee social worker and is supporting asylum seeking children. His experience at the sharp end of the UK’s asylum system means he is able to understand and champion these young people.
When we met Javed and his family, they had been living in an overcrowded hotel for 2 years. With little information or guidance, they struggled to understand the asylum system, access medical care, and ensure their children could go to school. The cramped living conditions and long wait took a heavy toll on their mental health:
“When I came to the hotel, there was no guidance. It was very helpful when your people came. Every time, no matter race, religion, or nationality, you helped us. I will never forget your people.”
Our Outreach Advice Team became a vital source of support. We helped the family to register with a GP, secured school places for the children, and gave Javed opportunities to volunteer, helping him feel part of a community.
“I feel hope, we were helpless those days, but every time we were worried, you helped.”
The family’s health conditions meant it was not safe for them to live in the hotel, however the Home Office refused to move them to safer housing. Our team successfully worked with doctors, schools, and mental health services so the family could move to more appropriate housing to wait for their asylum claim decision.
Now living in stable housing, Javed feels more confident and connected. His son is excelling at college, and his daughter has moved into sixth form. The family continues to rebuild their lives with renewed independence, health and hope.
“I tell everyone, go to BRR outreach – they will listen”