2021 was incredibly challenging in so many ways but with the commitment of our supporters, volunteers and donors, we were able to supply a record-breaking level of help to separated children arriving in the UK.
We welcomed dozens of new volunteers – including teams from eSynergy and the7Stars Foundation – to our base in North London to make up the arrival packs and sleep packs for separated children. Between January and December, this community helped us to create and distribute:-
2,657 arrival packs containing enough toiletries, underwear, warm clothing and other essentials for a child’s first two weeks in the UK
2,449 sleep packs, giving exhausted and traumatised young refugees the tools to help them learn how to sleep peacefully again
380 emergency packs – paid for by donations to our 2021 Festive Appeal – for vulnerable and exhausted separated children arriving into Dover
We continued to offer weekly Club Class sessions – despite the challenges of being online – and in September welcomed both a new cohort of young people and a new Youth Worker in Emma Gardiner. During the autumn, Emma focused on vocabulary and relationships as well as covering topics that are particularly important to separated children, such as human rights and mental health.
We carried out nationwide and sector-wide research into the needs of separated children to identify potential gaps in provision. We are using this research to inform our programme work going forward. We also grew our Board with the addition of two new Trustees. Alison and Alexandra joined us in December bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to help take us into the next stage of our development.
With the National Transfer Scheme for refugees becoming mandatory for local authorities, we look forward to working with an even greater range of partners over the coming year and supporting separated children wherever they are. We go into 2022 more determined than ever to offer lone refugee youth the comfort and dignity they so need and deserve.
Thank you for supporting us in improving the lives of separated children.
Richard Hammond
CEO
January 2022
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