The UK refugee crisis is worsening due to factors such as war, famine and poverty.
RAMA (Refugee, Asylum seeker & Migrant Action) state that: ‘From 2015 the city welcomed refugee families from war-torn Syria as part of the government’s Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme, and more recently Afghan refugee families have also been relocated here. Colchester is now an official dispersal centre for new arrivals to this country, so asylum seekers are accommodated locally while waiting for an asylum claim to be processed. There are others too, who find their way to north Essex independently.’
Refugees are welcome at CENS, as we support anyone facing homelessness. To learn more about CENS and what we do to help support people who find themselves homeless, please visit our website at: www.cens4homeless.org.uk

How CENS and RAMA work alongside each other to help refugees
RAMA is a voluntary organisation working with refugees, asylum seekers and people with no recourse to public funds. Offering non-judgemental assistance to individuals and families in need, they support newcomers to navigate the challenges of arriving in a new town. In particular, they address the inequalities refugees face when attempting to access services.
By working to support people facing lack of representation and advocacy they build a stronger community for those who are often ignored or left behind. RAMA helps to reduce destitution, homelessness and the effects of a system designed to be hostile to refugees.

When a refugee is in urgent need, or is street homeless, RAMA can refer them to CENS. We have worked alongside RAMA for many years, giving single refugees a safe place to sleep and offering them the support they need during their stay. We help them navigate their way through the various obstacles they may face, from discrimination and trauma to upheaval and language barriers.
Here at CENS we take referrals directly from RAMA for refugees who have come to the area and are street homeless. Imagine the trauma of leaving behind your family and friends to escape a situation so bad you are willing to leave everything behind and escape to a foreign country. Many refugees come here with absolutely nothing and are willing to work hard and learn the language. Here at CENS we find refugees willing to engage and to take part in the community. They want to change their lives for the better by positively contributing to society.
Meet Ihab

Ihab is one of our residents. He is a lovely polite and kind young man who had to flee war in his home country of Sudan, as his life was in danger. Ihab was very traumatised when he first arrived at CENS but with RAMA and CENS’s support he is now living in one of our move-on properties. He continues to go to college where he is learning English, and he is actively looking for employment. Ihab has been a pleasure to be around and is very articulate and thoughtful. Considering the trauma he has been through, he is open and engaging and has become good friends with other residents at CENS. We are extremely proud of the positive role we play in helping to support refugees in Colchester.
Quote from Maria (Operational Lead) at RAMA
“RAMA are delighted to have gained support from CENS and the amazing staff team for some of our most vulnerable newly granted refugees. CENS step in when short notice forces clients from Home Office accommodation and the streets might be their only option. They work diligently and inclusively to support clients to make their next steps”
To learn more about RAMA and what they do to help the refugees in our community please visit their website at https://rama.org.uk/