What is refugee status?
A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Most likely, they cannot return home or are afraid to do so. War and ethnic, tribal and religious violence are leading causes of refugees fleeing their countries. (Ref: UNHCR-The UN Refugee Agency)
We believe that if Londoners come together, we could welcome and support asylum seekers and refugees better.
SOAR's dream:
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Improve access to basic needs that empower and dignify
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Create a multi-cultural hub that brings together people of different backgroundsEnsure participation in UK social and economic life
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Create social relationships between refugees and nonrefugees, reduce social isolation and striation
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Raise awareness about the circumstances faced by refugees in the UK
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Become a well-know, trustworthy, respected and helpful community hub
SOUND OF ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES (SOAR) is a community interest company (CIC) led by a refugee founder.
SOAR aims to:
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Improve access to basic needs that empower and dignify
​
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Create a multi-cultural hub that brings together people of different backgrounds
​
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Ensure participation in UK social and economic life
​
-
Create social relationships between refugees and nonrefugees, reduce social isolation and striation
​
-
Raise awareness about the circumstances faced by refugees in the UK
​
-
Become a well-know, trustworthy, respected and helpful community hub
​SOAR values:
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The voices of all people should be heard, listened to and amplified
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People from all walks of life, from the local community to across the globe, refugee and non-refugee, contribute to London’s fusion of culture
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Our community is welcoming, loyal and trustworthy
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We respect everyone; no matter their ethnicity, race, religion, gender or any other identity trait. We are equal. Everyone is a human and human life is valuable
Our Team
Heval Erdemli
Founder, Director
As a refugee woman, I want to harness my own lived experiences and understandings of barriers refugees face in the UK to create relevant service offerings and forge the culture of
SOAR Community Hub.
Above all, I want SOAR to be a place where anyone can feel at home, feel a sense of belonging.
A place where anyone can feel WELCOME!
Fercan Celik
Volunteer
I have been living in the UK since 2010. As a immigrant woman, I have experienced many problems and seen others with the same struggles.
I believe that any support makes a massive difference to the lives of refugees. Therefore, I would like to be part of this important project and work with them as a volunteer.
