ARRIVAL PACKS

When separated children and young people arrive in Britain, it is almost always at the end of a difficult, demanding and often dangerous journey, and they lack even the most basic necessities of life. Arrival Packs are duffle bags crammed full with toiletries, a towel, socks, underwear, clothing, an umbrella, a non-perishable snack and other essentials. Gloves, a hat and a scarf are included in winter. Our Arrival Packs project is proving to be very effective: for the separated children and young people who have already received one from us, it has made a simple but important difference to their everyday life.

We're enormously grateful to our supporters who donate goods or the funds to buy items in bulk at good prices. With the benefit of generous donations and careful shopping, we can produce an Arrival Pack for as little as £13 in the summer and £16 in the winter.

We distribute Arrival Packs through our partnership with the Refugee Council, local authorities, providers of accommodation for unaccompanied minors, and refugee organisations. 

SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES

Our funding of a youth activities worker at the Refugee Council makes a range of life-enriching events, programmes and short trips possible. We're delighted that we can continue to fund this work at least until the spring of 2011.

We're working towards extending this provision to other places where there would be courses in language, sport, life skills and citizenship, as well as informal advice and counselling, and invaluable opportunities for company, meetings and friendship.

'THE ESTER CINEMA CLUB'

Ester Gluck raised funds for film and music equipment to be used in the youth club run by the Refugee Council at their national headquarters in south London. It has now been named in her memory. The Separated Child Foundation is pleased to support the club by funding the annual licence for showing films and is willing to fund similar clubs elsewhere.

GIVING SEPARATED CHILDREN A VOICE

Young refugees need to be able to communicate with each other and to make their views and voices known in wider society through projects that enable and empower them to tell their stories and to reflect on their experiences, needs and hopes. Channels for such communication include newsletters, art work, magazines and video diaries. This material provides a vivid record and a creative educational resource.

BEFRIENDING

This involves adults 'adopting' (in the style of an aunt, uncle or godparent) separated young people over the age of 16, offering friendship and invitations for meals and outings.

SUPPORTED ACCOMMODATION FOR THOSE AGED 16-18

Separated young people in this age group are often housed inappropriately in hostels or bed-and-breakfast, where they may be physically and emotionally vulnerable. Suitable housing is a desperate need.