Students and Refugees Together (START) is a Plymouth (UK) based charity set up in September 2001. It originated from the unmet need identified by the specialist teacher supporting refugee childrens’ integration into mainstream schools and the Social Services City Centre referral coordinator. Both workers were concerned about the inability of existing structures to respond to refugees’ urgent and complex human needs. In collaboration with the University of Plymouth Placement Coordinator, a structure was put in place which allowed the skills of student volunteers from the ‘caring profesions’ to be used safely to support refugees.

START aims to promote racial harmony and community cohesion by removing obstacles of all kinds to the integration of refugees and asylum seekers.

START offers refugees and asylum seekers in the City of Plymouth individually tailored, flexible and emotionally supportive practical help based on home visits, using interpreters when necessary.

START promotes social inclusion in a number of ways including a weekly Cultural Kitchen, cultural celebrations and other social events, according to refugees’ wishes for the format and content.

START supports asylum seekers and refugees in working as volunteers on START’s programmes.

Staff at START are paid professionals who work with and support students on long-term placement from social work, health, community development, occupational therapy, psychology, administration, accountancy and other professional courses.

START networks with other agencies in Plymouth to identify those that can benefit from training and development to help them become more accessible to refugees.

START’s Mission Statement

To work in partnership with families, individuals and organisations to facilitate the transition of refugees, and vulnerable Black and minority ethnic groups, from people in need to self-reliant contributors their local community.

START’s Objectives

• To advance education and relieve financial hardship among members of ethnic minority groups including those seeking asylum and granted refugee status particularly in the provision of housing and other advice to advance the education and training of members of ethnic minority groups including those seeking asylum and granted refugee status and their dependants in need thereof so as to advance them in life and assist them to live within a new community
• To provide facilities for recreation and other leisure time occupation for members of ethnic minority groups including those
  seeking asylum and granted refugee status and their dependants with the object of improving their conditions of life.
• To advance the education of students in training by providing learning and assisting in the provision of learning experiences which contribute to their personal and professional development

START is supported by Supporting People, The Big Lottery, Active Learning for Active Citizenship, Lloyds TSB Foundations, the University of Plymouth, Devon Community Foundation,
The Home Office Challenge Fund and Plymouth NHS Primary Care Trust.