A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee their country because of war, violence or bad treatment due to their ethnicity, religion, sexuality or political beliefs. Most are unable to return home or are afraid to do so. Some young people arrive into the country with their families, but many children arrive alone. This can be a scary experience for children and young people, who are cared for by the local authority when they arrive in the country.
War and violence are the main reasons refugees leave their countries, and they may have had very traumatic experiences. Some have seen their homes destroyed, loved ones killed or they may have been tortured or trafficked. These experiences can leave a psychological imprint and they may need extra support to help them work through these memories.
It's important to know there are services to support refugees and their families who arrive into the country and to help them feel safe so they can start to come to terms with their experiences and look towards their future.
Norfolk County Council provides help and support to asylum seeking and refugee families to access healthcare, education and community integration. Contact them on 0344 800 8020 Monday to Friday 9-5pm, or visit the website.
Suffolk Refugee Support is a charity which supports refugee adults within the Suffolk and Waveney area with employment, education and advice.
New Routes is a charity which provide activities, community integration and support to refugees and asylum seekers across Norfolk and Suffolk.
Gyros provides free advice on a range of topics, including immigration, the EU settlement scheme and your rights in the UK.
Norwich City of Sanctuary is part of a national movement building a culture of welcome for people seeking sanctuary.
The Red Cross Refugee Service provides advice and guidance in many languages, and have a local Norwich based office. Call 01603 623041 or email RSenquiriesNorwich@redcross.org.uk
You can contact the Healthy Child Service team by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
If you are 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for confidential advice from one of our team.
You can speak to other Norfolk parents and carers by clicking our online community forum below.
