STAR
STAR is the national network of student groups working to improve the lives of refugees in the UK by:
Promoting positive images of refugees Volunteering for local refugee projects Campaigning for refugee rights Fundraising to keep helping refugees
The STAR Network
38 groups
5,000 students
600+ volunteers in 40+ volunteering projects helping 1,500+ refugees
STAR National
www.star-network.org.uk
Resources Training National Conference Ideas from around the network Information about refugees National campaigns Volunteering support Website Social Media
STAR (Student Action for Refugees) @STARnational
Question 5
How much does a single adultasylum seeker receive in benefits aweek?
a) £36.62b) £49.59c) £68.20
Question 6
How long can asylum seekers legally be detained for in the UK?
a)72 hours
b)42 days
c)There is no limit
www.star-network.org.uk
Question 7
What have all these things got in common?
a) The song ‘Paper Planes’
b) The Mini car
c) The Paralympics
Promote positive images of refugees
Talks & debates Stalls Posters and leaflets Film screenings Theatre performances Music nights Cultural evenings Quizzes
Public Attitudes
• 4 out of 10 people believe that more than 10% of the population are refugees, when the true number is about 0.26%.
• 78% of the public think the main reason people seek asylum in the UK is to claim benefits.
• 82% of British people believe protecting the most vulnerable is a core British value.
YouGov 2008, British Future 2012, Refugee Council 2011
STAR Campaigning
Equal AccessFor equal access to university for refugees and asylum seekers.
Still Human Still HereTo end the destitution of refused asylum seekers.
End DetentionTo end the use of detention as part of the asylum process.
“I’m so glad of what STAR is doing with Equal Access, and on detention and destitution…even if it’s just one person, please keep doing what you’re doing, change will come ...
I was at the sleepout a few months ago and I was touched...people were getting educated and their minds changed through something as simple as that. Keep doing what you’re doing, keep motivated and more and more please!”
Gladys, an asylum seeker and activist with the London-based Zimbabwe Association
www.star-network.org.uk
Volunteering
English conversation classes Night shelters Drop ins Women’s groups Homework clubs Classroom support Sports Clubs Youth Clubs Food and clothes collections