Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Who we are

WHAT WE DO

We have a range of group activities that support people of all ages to develop their English skills, access services and opportunities, build supportive social networks and to feel welcomed. We work with individuals to make sure that people get the specific support that matches their situation no matter how complex.

HOW WE WORK

EMPOWERMENT

CARAS works from the perspective that people of refugee background are marginalised in the UK and can and do face a complex range of barriers that prevent access to rights, entitlements, opportunities and a good quality of life. These barriers must be addressed comprehensively through education, advocacy, and campaigns work for social change.

The services offered by CARAS are designed to empower beneficiaries by providing information, tools, resources, and opportunities. We work with beneficiaries respectfully, recognizing that the system in place to support people of refugee background is confusing and overwhelming, with the odds stacked against attaining equal access.

We think empowerment happens when people have decision making power of their own; access to information and resources to make proper decisions; a range of options from which they can make choices; ability to exercise assertiveness in collective decision making; and ability to increase their positive self‐image and overcome stigma. CARAS has designed its organisational mission, and services on this basis.

RELATIONAL WORKING

CARAS recognises the transformative power of building supportive relationships and has embedded clear methods of relational working in all of our practice. We believe that creating an environment in which people are valued, respected and encouraged to participate at whatever level they are able is the basis of a strong community. Our groups are relaxed and allow people the time they need to settle and build friendships which allow them to grow in confidence, contribute ideas, share their worries and ask for support when necessary. We also offer one-to-one intensive support for people in times of crisis or transition, during which we will work together to build confidence and skills.

Relational work is a method which has largely fallen out of statutory social work because of the demands it places on time. However, we believe that it is extremely valuable; it is the strength of these supportive relationships which has allowed us to work intensively and successfully with so many people who are wary of other services. We recognise that friends, family, teachers, social groups and other significant, stable relationships all have a positive contribution to make in working with someone through an identified difficulty. We operate within a culture of belief and trust, aiming to support people to achieve their goals.

Our culture and values

Our work is grounded in the understanding that empowerment, decision-making and agency are essential to challenge the policy-based disempowerment refugees and asylum seekers face. Over the last 16 years we’ve refined our methodologies to empower individuals, and their support networks, to create long-lasting change.

Kindness

CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents and interests.

Justice

CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all of our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society.

Empowerment

CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes.

With' Not 'For'

CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Our success is underpinned by the diversity of our team. We bring together experts from sectors including operations, education, social work, youth work, adult community development - many of whom have their own migration stories.

CARAS recognises that having a diverse workforce that includes people from all walks of life will make us stronger; we want a range of life experiences and protected characteristics represented on our staff team as we know that this will bring a great richness to our work, helping us to bring in different perspectives and change our thinking and practice where necessary.

Equalities Statement.

As an organisation who works with refugees, we especially encourage applications from people with lived experience of forced migration. You will be invited to say whether you have been an asylum seeker or a refugee in the UK on the application form. Applicants with lived experience who meet essential criteria are guaranteed an interview.