Refugee Support Group

Who we are

Refugee Support Group (RSG) was formed in 1994 at a refugee conference organised jointly by Reading International Solidarity Centre (RISC), Oxfam and Churches Together in Berkshire.  This conference responded to the civil wars and oppression in Somalia, Zimbabwe and Sudan and the many refugees coming to Reading.

As one of only 2 charities in Berkshire solely dedicated to supporting refugees, we are regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) (formerly the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)), which oversees our support for asylum seekers in Reading, West Berkshire and Wokingham, and extends into Hampshire.  We are holistic in our service provision, supporting integration into local communities through English language courses, job support, projects in schools and other social activities. 

In 2014, RSG set up, hosted and funded the Reading City of Sanctuary programme.  We supported Reading Borough Council in its application for City of Sanctuary status, which was gained in 2017.  Since then, we have worked with the University of Reading to establish a refugee scholarship programme and achieve University of Sanctuary status.  Churches, schools, museums, gardens, libraries, and theatres have also gained sanctuary status.

RSG was awarded the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Services in 2017 and the Pride of Reading Welcome award in 2024.

In November 2022, we formally changed our name from Reading Refugee Support Group to Refugee Support Group to reflect the wider geographical area we have worked across since 2015 and to allow us to better raise our profile as a leading refugee charity working across Berkshire. 

Our culture and values

Vision

RSG aims to make Berkshire a supporting and inclusive society which embraces refugees and asylum seekers with humanity, respect and dignity. 

Mission

To improve the lives of refugees and asylum seekers through advice and support which promote awareness and integration into the Berkshire community. 

Values

• That social justice, the rights of individuals, human dignity and respect as prescribed by the European Convention on Human Rights and by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) must be upheld.
• That diversity, including race, culture, ability, sexuality, gender, age, religion and other beliefs, is beneficial to the community and should be celebrated.
• That working in partnership with other organisations improves effectiveness and spreads understanding.
• That the services and activities of the organisation should be accessible to all people who need them regardless of their individual circumstances.