This is the second part of the Those Who Help series, to hear first click here
Hello, everyone. It’s John Chico here with you again. Today, I am continuing the series, Those Who Help, where I highlight people, groups, and organisations that provide essential social services to the Coventry public. These groups often operate in person with those in need, offering hands-on support and seeing the challenges firsthand. This personal touch is crucial in finding genuine solutions to difficult problems.
Today, I am spotlighting the Coventry Asylum Refugee Action Group, better known as CARAG. So, I have been a member of CARAG for four years now, having joined it when I was going through my initial trials and tribulations with homelessness. However, one thing led to another, and I’ve been the Committee Secretary for about a year and a half on a voluntary basis. I started attending CARAG’s general meetings at a place called Peace House, which provides accommodation to migrants who are homeless. CARAG is also one of the first organisations that my mother looked toward for assistance when she was going through her trials and tribulations with the Home Office.
Every Wednesday, they provide lunch at 2:00 PM, followed by a guided meditation. Then the meeting would begin at 3:00 PM. When the meeting began, we would discuss what was going on in the migrant community in Coventry and any news concerning the Home Office. After the meeting finished at 5:00 PM, we would be reimbursed with £4 for travel reimbursement, which was a great help for me in terms of getting some food.
After attending CARAG for a year, there was an annual general meeting (AGM), in which members of CARAG had the opportunity to stand to become a member of the committee, of which they were the ones that made executive decisions concerning the direction of CARAG. Because CARAG had helped me so much for the past year, I decided to run for Community Secretary so that I could give back to the group for all the help they had provided me. It has been a year and a half since I have been Community Secretary, and CARAG has provided me so many opportunities, which I’ll get into in the future. But for now, let me talk about what they do and the help they provide the migrant community of Coventry.
Who are they?
CARAG is a grassroots migrant-led community organisation based in Coventry. The group is composed of asylum seekers and refugees from various regions, including Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, also known as East Asia, and South America, founded on the belief that those directly affected by issues are best suited to finding the solutions.
CARAG focuses on dismantling the hostile immigration infrastructure and helping their community members settle in the UK. The organisation is governed by an elected committee and operates under a constitution, ensuring democratic governance and active participation from their members.
What do they do?
CARAG addresses a wide range of issues faced by asylum seekers and refugees. The organisation meets weekly to discuss and tackle problems related to accommodation, healthcare, legal aid, and education. These meetings also serve as a support network where members can share experiences, advice, and mutual support. CARAG is actively involved in various campaigns and demonstrations advocating for the rights and better treatment of asylum seekers. Their initiatives include Abolish Reporting Campaign, which aims to end the mandatory reporting conditions for asylum seekers, and the Lift the Ban campaign, which advocates for the right of asylum seekers to work while their claims are processed.
How do they help?
CARAG provides practical support through various projects and campaigns. They run a housing project that offers stable accommodation for asylum seekers and migrants with no recourse to public funds. They’re addressing the severe issue of homelessness within the community. This project also provides access to good legal representation, helping residents navigate their asylum claims more effectively.
Additionally, CARAG collaborates with other organisations to offer skills development workshops such as ESO (English for Speakers of Other languages), IT training, also including arts and crafts classes, enhancing the personal and professional development of their members.
How to support them?
There are several ways to support CARAG’s mission. Individuals and organisations can volunteer their time or expertise, particularly in running workshops or providing professional services. Donations of food, clothes, furniture, and household items are always needed and appreciated. Monetary contributions can be made through the crowdfunding page or directly via PayPal. Additionally, CARAG welcomes collaboration with other organisations and encourages participation in their campaigns.
For more information on how to get involved or to make a donation, visit their website, www.carag.co.uk. Your support will surely be appreciated.
Conclusion
By supporting organisations like CARAG, we can contribute to creating a more inclusive and just society where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to live with dignity and respect. It is by following this principle that we can build a better future for us all. Because if you can’t understand others, who will understand you . It’s been John Chiko. Thank you very much. Have a lovely day.
To read the next part of the Those Who Help series, click here
