How we were formed
Carlisle Refugee Action Group (CRAG) was formed in 2015, during the peak of the European refugee crisis by a group of concerned individuals with co-ordination and support from Sustainable Carlisle and, later on Carlisle One World Centre. Volunteers collected donations to help alleviate the developing humanitarian crisis in Calais, and the people of Cumbria responded by offering clothes, food, tents, money and their time. The outpouring of support was tremendous! The Op-Shop (now Restore) chain, Carlisle City Council and the Diocese of Carlisle all helped support the project with offers of premises, and links were built with other organisations and charities to ensure help could be directed to where it was most needed. Since 2015 CRAG has donated around 50 tonnes of aid with many thousands of pounds sent to partner organisations and charities. Many more partnership have formed and the work has expanded to include support to refugees and asylum seekers closer to home.
What we do now…
Since 2017 CRAG volunteers have been supporting resettled refugee and evacuee families from the Middle East and Afghanistan living in the Carlisle area, with regular drop in sessions, help with their English language, learning to drive, shared meals and other ways of helping them settle into our community. CRAG also provides some support to refugee families from Ukraine living in the community.
In September 2020 members of CRAG set up the Carlisle City of Sanctuary Group and have worked to develop a city-wide network of support organisations who believe in promoting a culture of welcome to people seeking sanctuary.
Between April 2022 and December 2023 CRAG members helped up to 500 people seeking asylum who were given temporary accommodation in two local hotels. CRAG staff and volunteers collected and provided clothes and other essential items as well as running drop ins, sports activities and mental health support. Currently there are over 100 people seeking asylum in dispersal accommodation around the city, including families, who need and benefit from CRAG’s support.
CRAG still sends donations to North France, working with partners around the UK to send aid to where it is needed most.
