What We Do
We empower our frontline partners on the ground, and the refugee communities they support, by providing vital grants and support directly to them.
Our action areas
At forRefugees our passion for supporting refugees focuses on three action areas that together alleviate suffering, save lives and lay the groundwork for longer term recovery. These are:
Immediate Needs
We fund urgent aid ensuring people have access to essentials like food, clean water, hygiene kits, phone credits and shelter, which are crucial for daily survival and well-being.
Protection and Safety
We cover costs towards refuge, medical assistance, legal, information and translation services to help protect refugees in the most vulnerable situations.
Resilience and Recovery
We support activities like education, community centres and sport, facilitating faster mental and physical recovery from the emotional toll of displacement.
On Europe’s frontlines
The needs are greatest where governments and large NGOs are failing to meet refugees basic human needs. That’s why we target our support on grassroots NGOs meeting urgent needs in Greece, northern France and what’s commonly termed as ‘The Balkan Route’ centred on the EU borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. However, in an ever-changing situation we support beyond these countries as needed. As a UK-based charity, we also work with partners across the UK.
Greece
Life as a refugee in Greece starts with a dangerous border crossing. Many then endure days without food or water, fearing illegal pushbacks, and those who make it to official camps – called Closed Controlled Access Centres (CCAC’s) – find little comfort as these camps feel more like prisons. Despite limited state care or support our grassroots partners are there offering humanitarian aid, safe spaces, legal and medical support and activities, all with dignity, respect and compassion.
France
In Northern France, refugees face daily oppression and stark inequalities. The makeshift camps in Calais and Dunkirk are regularly evicted by armed police, leaving even families and children without shelter or basic necessities. These actions, rooted in state policies, lack compassion and target vulnerable people. In this harsh reality our grassroots partners focus on building trust, providing basic practical services including food, water, tents, sleeping bags and phone charging. They work hard to preserve the dignity of people who have lost so much.
The Balkans
Living conditions for refugees in The Balkans are defined by border violence, neglect and suffering. Thousands of displaced people in Bosnia, Serbia, and more endure brutal conditions—dangerous border crossings, violent pushbacks, overcrowded camps, and harsh winters. Europe’s border externalisation policies push refugees far from safety into inhumane situations. Within this environment our grassroots partners meet essential needs ensuring people on the move here can get a change of clothes, food, firewood, first aid and more in the most difficult circumstances.
United Kingdom
The UK’s asylum system urgently needs reform. Despite Labour’s abolition of the Rwanda Plan, thousands remain trapped in limbo due to the Illegal Migration Act, and the backlog of claims continues to grow. Refugees face dangerous Channel crossings with no safe alternatives or sufficient support upon arrival. To truly address this crisis, the government must establish humanitarian pathways, consider off-shore visas, allow asylum seekers to work, and restore compassion and fairness in decision-making. The time for action is now.
"Today was the first time in a long time that I could take a hot shower, using a nice soap, for as long as I wanted! Thank you for letting me wash my t-shirt, charge my phone and get phone credit which I used to call my mum and ask a friend to come and cut my hair."
A from Iran
Hear from the people your donation supports
Based on true stories, these anonymised first-person accounts, and related images, shine a spotlight on real people’s journeys as refugees and the critical role our grassroots partners have played in their protection and safety in Europe.Â
Finding Hope: A Survivor’s Journey to Safety and Protection
Based on true stories, these anonymised first-person accounts, and related images, shine a spotlight on real people’s journeys as refugees and the critical role our partner NGOs have played in their safety and protection in Europe. Warning: some sensitive content....
Kamila’s Journey: From GED Success to Aspiring Accountant
Based on true stories, these anonymised first-person accounts, and related images, shine a spotlight on real people’s journeys as refugees and the critical role our partner NGOs have played in their safety and protection in Europe. Warning: some sensitive content. My...
Finding Comfort and Support: A Refugee’s Journey in France
Based on true stories, these anonymised first-person accounts, and related images, shine a spotlight on real people’s journeys as refugees and the critical role our partner NGOs have played in their safety and protection in Europe. Warning: some sensitive content. I...
How your support makes a difference
See how your donations transform day-to-day life for refugees. Browse the grants you’ve enabled us to make over the past 12 months and keep giving what you can going forward to ensure we can keep hope alive for the future. We are proud to be working with 360Giving to openly share our grant-making information.
