{"id":2117,"date":"2025-12-04T14:54:58","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T14:54:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rama.org.uk\/who-we-are\/"},"modified":"2026-01-16T12:36:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T12:36:18","slug":"what-we-do","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rama.org.uk\/id\/what-we-do\/","title":{"rendered":"What We Do"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-e56714d1 alignfull uagb-is-root-container\"><div class=\"uagb-container-inner-blocks-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-info-box uagb-block-d4034274 uagb-infobox__content-wrap  uagb-infobox-icon-above-title uagb-infobox-image-valign-top\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-content\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-title-wrap\"><h4 class=\"uagb-ifb-title-prefix\">Action is the antidote to despair<\/h4><div class=\"uagb-ifb-separator\"><\/div><h2 class=\"uagb-ifb-title\">Supporting Refugees, Asylum Seekers<br>and People with No Recourse to Public Funds<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"uagb-ifb-button-wrapper wp-block-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/RAMA+(formerly+Refugee+Action+-+Colchester)\/@51.8879158,0.8981249,17z\/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x47d904f9d75a9a91:0x8981b2892701a5df!4m6!3m5!1s0x47d90516bdb7513f:0x9962c9ab29832c87!8m2!3d51.8879125!4d0.9006998!16s%2Fg%2F11f9wfhm61?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" class=\"uagb-infobox-cta-link wp-block-button__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" onclick=\"return true;\"><span class=\"uagb-inline-editing\">VISIT US<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-5b05212e alignfull uagb-is-root-container\"><div class=\"uagb-container-inner-blocks-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-6d89a5ed\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-info-box uagb-block-d8d21ca9 uagb-infobox__content-wrap  uagb-infobox-icon-above-title uagb-infobox-image-valign-top\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-content\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-title-wrap\"><h2 class=\"uagb-ifb-title\">What We Do<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"uagb-ifb-separator\"><\/div><p class=\"uagb-ifb-desc\">RAMA supports refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants as they navigate the complexities of rebuilding a new life in the United Kingdom. Our work covers every stage of the integration process, ensuring that people have the guidance, dignity and practical help they need to move forward with confidence.<br><br><strong>Our Approach<\/strong><br>We provide compassionate, person-centred support that helps individuals regain stability and rebuild their sense of dignity. From understanding the asylum process to accessing essential services, we walk alongside each person, ensuring they are not left to face the system alone.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-20f5b9ec\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Every day, we assist with a wide range of practical needs, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>School applications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>GP and hospital appointments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Signposting to specialist services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Help with transport<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Job applications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>English lessons<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access to furniture, clothing, household items and children\u2019s toys<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>We also connect people with volunteer befrienders and offer community sessions in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Computing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crafts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gardening<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wellbeing and other activities that foster connection and resilience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Our aim is to ensure that everyone we support can build <strong>safe, stable and fulfilling lives<\/strong> within our community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-layout-grid uagb-block-c0c9c461\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-info-box uagb-block-891df4cc uagb-infobox__content-wrap  uagb-infobox-icon-above-title uagb-infobox-image-valign-top\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-content\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-title-wrap\"><h5 class=\"uagb-ifb-title-prefix\">01.<\/h5><h3 class=\"uagb-ifb-title\">Casework and Advocacy<\/h3><\/div><p class=\"uagb-ifb-desc\">We provide ongoing casework to help clients understand the asylum process, follow up on decisions, and access the support they are entitled to. We advocate for fairness, equity and dignity, ensuring people receive the guidance they need at the most challenging moments.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-info-box uagb-block-63e07359 uagb-infobox__content-wrap  uagb-infobox-icon-above-title uagb-infobox-image-valign-top\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-content\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-title-wrap\"><h5 class=\"uagb-ifb-title-prefix\">02.<\/h5><h3 class=\"uagb-ifb-title\">Physical Health &amp; Community Wellbeing<\/h3><\/div><p class=\"uagb-ifb-desc\">We help clients improve their health and reduce isolation through:<br>\u2014Therapeutic, social and physical community activities<br>\u2014GP registration support<br>\u2014HC2 applications for free prescriptions<br>\u2014Workshops addressing wider health challenges<br>\u2014Cooking clubs and community-building programmes<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-info-box uagb-block-a75acaca uagb-infobox__content-wrap  uagb-infobox-icon-above-title uagb-infobox-image-valign-top\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-content\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-title-wrap\"><h5 class=\"uagb-ifb-title-prefix\">03.<\/h5><h3 class=\"uagb-ifb-title\">Mental Health Support<\/h3><\/div><p class=\"uagb-ifb-desc\">We promote emotional resilience and wellbeing through:<br>\u2014<strong>The<\/strong> <strong>Pamoja Project<\/strong><br>\u2014Advocacy with psychosis and psychiatric teams<br>\u2014Therapeutic and wellbeing activities<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-info-box uagb-block-164fad8e uagb-infobox__content-wrap  uagb-infobox-icon-above-title uagb-infobox-image-valign-top\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-content\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-title-wrap\"><h5 class=\"uagb-ifb-title-prefix\">04.<\/h5><h3 class=\"uagb-ifb-title\">Immigration Advice<\/h3><\/div><p class=\"uagb-ifb-desc\">As an IAA registered (Level 2) organisation, we provide support with:<br>\u2014Complex immigration casework<br>\u2014Domestic abuse and human rights applications<br>\u2014Routes to regularisation<br>\u2014Ongoing case resolution and guidance<br><a href=\"https:\/\/rama.org.uk\/id\/immigration-referrals\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"6128\">Click for referrals to the Immigration Team<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-info-box uagb-block-2948b4de uagb-infobox__content-wrap  uagb-infobox-icon-above-title uagb-infobox-image-valign-top\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-content\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-title-wrap\"><h5 class=\"uagb-ifb-title-prefix\">05.<\/h5><h3 class=\"uagb-ifb-title\">Destitution Support<\/h3><\/div><p class=\"uagb-ifb-desc\">For individuals facing severe hardship, we offer essential assistance such as:<br>\u2014Destitution payments<br>\u2014SIM cards, data and mobile phones<br>\u2014Digital access through FDAP<br>\u2014Foodbank referrals<br>\u2014Clothing and shoes<br>\u2014Furniture items<br>\u2014Bicycles for mobility<br>\u2014Immigration advice aimed at ending destitution where possible<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-info-box uagb-block-217ae4ab uagb-infobox__content-wrap  uagb-infobox-icon-above-title uagb-infobox-image-valign-top\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-content\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-title-wrap\"><h5 class=\"uagb-ifb-title-prefix\">06.<\/h5><h3 class=\"uagb-ifb-title\">Benefits Support<\/h3><\/div><p class=\"uagb-ifb-desc\">We assist with applications and entitlements, including:<br>\u2014Universal Credit<br>\u2014Child Benefits<br>\u2014Council Tax Support \/ Reduction<br>\u2014Discretionary Housing Payments<br>\u2014Work Capability Assessments<br>\u2014Housing Benefit<br>\u2014Tax Credits<br>\u2014Housing Applications<br>\u2014PIP<br>\u2014Section 95\/98\/4 support for asylum seekers<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-f5466f93 alignfull uagb-is-root-container\"><div class=\"uagb-container-inner-blocks-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-info-box uagb-block-e2bd6f21 uagb-infobox__content-wrap  uagb-infobox-icon-above-title uagb-infobox-image-valign-top\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-content\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-title-wrap\"><h2 class=\"uagb-ifb-title-prefix\">About our Immigration Advice Service<\/h2><div class=\"uagb-ifb-separator\"><\/div><h4 class=\"uagb-ifb-title\">RAMA is a not-for-profit organisation with limited funding. We support people who cannot afford paid immigration advice. As demand for our service is very high, we currently have a waiting list. To make sure help reaches those who need it most urgently, we prioritise clients who are facing destitution or serious financial hardship. Thank you for your understanding.<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"uagb-ifb-button-wrapper wp-block-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rama.org.uk\/id\/immigration-referrals\/\" class=\"uagb-infobox-cta-link wp-block-button__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" onclick=\"return true;\"><span class=\"uagb-inline-editing\">Immigration Referrals<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-8f452c7f alignfull uagb-is-root-container\"><div class=\"uagb-container-inner-blocks-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-6f91f140\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-info-box uagb-block-bc8b204c uagb-infobox__content-wrap  uagb-infobox-icon-above-title uagb-infobox-image-valign-top\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-content\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-title-wrap\"><h2 class=\"uagb-ifb-title\">Who We Support<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"uagb-ifb-separator\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>We work with vulnerable clients, including asylum seekers, refugees, families in crisis, and individuals facing destitution or complex immigration challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Our mission is simple: to ensure that every person has the opportunity to rebuild a safe, stable and productive life within our community.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Colchester has welcomed newcomers for generations. Since 2015, the city has supported families fleeing war in Syria through the Government\u2019s Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme, and more recently has received Afghan families seeking safety. Today, Colchester is an official dispersal area for new arrivals to the UK, meaning that many asylum seekers are temporarily accommodated locally while their claims are processed. Others arrive independently, hoping to restart their lives in north Essex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>RAMA stands alongside those who are far from home and who have nowhere else to turn. In addition to refugees and asylum seekers, we also support migrants with British partners and dependents, victims of domestic abuse or trafficking, and individuals who face vulnerability for many different reasons. Some are at the very beginning of their journey here; others have been in the UK for some time; and some stay only briefly. Each person we meet brings a unique story, often shaped by trauma, loss, or the scars of the past, and each faces challenges ranging from straightforward practical issues to complex situations requiring specialist support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We recognise that systems and processes which appear simple to most residents, such as accessing healthcare, benefits, schools or legal advice, can be overwhelming for newcomers, especially when language barriers stand in the way. At RAMA, we do not differentiate based on government-assigned labels. We support people who need help, regardless of their immigration status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People sometimes ask why we do not offer services for the local homeless population. This is because other organisations in the area are specifically equipped and funded to provide that support. Many of our clients face additional barriers, particularly with language, and require tailored advocacy and guidance to ensure they receive fair and appropriate help.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-8b1f680b alignwide uagb-is-root-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-info-box uagb-block-66aaa5eb uagb-infobox__content-wrap  uagb-infobox-icon-above-title uagb-infobox-image-valign-top\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-content\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-title-wrap\"><h2 class=\"uagb-ifb-title-prefix\">Your Support Makes a Difference<\/h2><div class=\"uagb-ifb-separator\"><\/div><h4 class=\"uagb-ifb-title\">We warmly welcome financial donations to help us meet the growing demand for our services. <br>Every contribution supports essential work across our community.<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"uagb-ifb-button-wrapper wp-block-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/localgiving.org\/charity\/rama\" class=\"uagb-infobox-cta-link wp-block-button__link\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" onclick=\"return true;\"><span class=\"uagb-inline-editing\">DONATE<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every day, we assist with a wide range of practical needs, including: We also connect people with volunteer befrienders and offer community sessions in: Our aim is to ensure that everyone we support can build safe, stable and fulfilling lives within our community. We work with vulnerable clients, including asylum seekers, refugees, families in crisis, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"page-builder","ast-site-content-layout":"full-width-container","site-content-style":"unboxed","site-sidebar-style":"unboxed","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2117","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false,"trp-custom-language-flag":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"ab@rama.org.uk","author_link":"https:\/\/rama.org.uk\/id\/author\/abrama-org-uk\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Every day, we assist with a wide range of practical needs, including: We also connect people with volunteer befrienders and offer community sessions in: Our aim is to ensure that everyone we support can build safe, stable and fulfilling lives within our community. We work with vulnerable clients, including asylum seekers, refugees, families in crisis,&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rama.org.uk\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2117","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rama.org.uk\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rama.org.uk\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rama.org.uk\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rama.org.uk\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2117"}],"version-history":[{"count":41,"href":"https:\/\/rama.org.uk\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2117\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6147,"href":"https:\/\/rama.org.uk\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2117\/revisions\/6147"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rama.org.uk\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2117"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}