Refugee Week

This week sees the start of Refugee Week, which runs from 20-26 June 2016.  Aimed to promote better understanding between communities, the UK programme features a range of events to educate and raise awareness of the challenges and experiences of refugees.

With uncertainty surrounding their immigration status, refugee and asylum seekers experience disruption and barriers to education, progression and access to higher education.  Difficulties include language barriers, a lack of accessible information and advice, the effects of trauma and access to student finance and support.  Advance planning is key for the young people as they consider their next steps, alternative progression routes and other funding options for those who are not eligible for financial support through student finance.

AccessHE is proud to be working with the Refugee Support Network (RSN) and practitioners to support access to education for refugee and asylum seekers.  The RSN have produced a toolkit for young people, ‘Thinking Ahead to Higher Education’, which contains information and guidance to help them plan their journey to university.   This is also a useful resource for those supporting these students throughout their educational pathway.  To order a copy, please visit https://refugeesupportnetwork.org/blog/HE-toolkit.