Help children arriving alone in the UK get a guardian

Amina is originally from North Africa. She said: “When I came I didn't know English and it was really difficult for me. If I had a Guardian [to help understand and navigate the immigration system and its policies] it would have helped me a lot.”

Another child refugee said: “It's important for a child to understand their rights when they arrive in the UK alone. Many don't. We don’t understand what our solicitors are saying, even with an interpreter. It’s too complicated.”

What is a Guardian?

A guardian is someone who works with local authorities, legal services and other organisations to consistently support separated children and young people through the asylum process.

They can also help with going to school or college, and accessing social services and mental health support.

In Scotland and Northern Ireland, all unaccompanied child refugees are allocated guardians to help them – but this is not obligatory in England and Wales,  which is why The Children’s Society is campaigning for change.

‘Buy’ a Guardian Angel for Lent

This year, our Lent appeal will raise funds for the Children’s Society’s campaign to provide Guardians for all unaccompanied child refugees.

How? Simply ‘buy’ a paper ‘Guardian Angel’, for either £1 or £5 each, which will be displayed on the Church’s noticeboard throughout Lent. All ‘purchases’ will then go to The Children’s Society’s campaign for Guardians for unaccompanied child refugees.

Partnership lead Rob Needle said: “The lead campaigners in this campaign at The Children’s Society are young people who have been through the whole process from arriving as asylum seekers as unaccompanied minors, to where they are today.

“They are part of the Society’s Youth Led Commission for Separated Children (YLCSC), and are fighting to change the system so today’s children don’t have to go through what they endured, and will be automatically allocated a legal guardian in this country.

“I hope everyone who goes to St Andrew’s during Lent supports this campaign – it would be great if paper angels are literally flying off the noticeboard by Easter Sunday, there are that many of them!”

• The campaign at St Andrew’s will be launched during the 10.30 service on Sunday 19th February.
• Inspired to write to your M.P.? Visit this page for a link to find your local M.P. and for a draft letter.
• "I want to be part of this to help other people" - watch the video of a YLCSC member's experience of navigating the asylum process. 
• Visit The Children’s Society website to find out more about the campaign, and to send your own message of support to the YLCSC.