Student Action for Refugees The national network of student groups working to improve the lives of refugees in the UK.

Jake is a philosophy student at the University of Exeter and the previous President and Campaign Coordinator at Reading STAR. Read about why he and his brother Sam are running a half-marathon each month in 2021 to raise money for Student Action for Refugees.

You can donate to his fundraiser, and track his progress on his Just Giving page.

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On Wednesday 24 March, the Home Office proposed a series of unfair and unjust changes to the UK’s asylum system. Home Secretary, Priti Patel, described the changes as ‘the most significant overhaul of our asylum system in decades’.

Her vision for a new asylum system is published at a time when asylum applications to the UK are at an historical low, yet the number of refugees globally are at an all time high, with 80 million people displaced. Despite this, there is a significant backlog of pending asylum applications with more than 60,000 people awaiting the outcome of their asylum procedure. Instead of fixing the system, the Home Office is choosing to penalise people fleeing war and persecution based solely on how they arrive in the UK.

We must stand against this new plan, and work to create a welcoming environment where refugees are treated with compassion and dignity. We understand that our friends seeking asylum must be feeling concerned and anxious about these changes, and we stand with you during this difficult time.

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For STAR Action Week 2021, take action to #CloseTheBarracks and put an end to detaining people in barracks and prison-like conditions. Bring a placard and join together in solidarity with students, residents from the barracks, and organisations working to close the barracks.
Sign up here

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Across the country, STARs have adapted, collaborated and persevered during this global pandemic. Glasgow STAR’s conversation club is one of 40 ongoing projects taking place across the network, and this Student Volunteering Week, we asked Ella Mayne to tell us a little about how they have adapted during these difficult times.

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There is a digital divide and, all too often, refugees and asylum seekers are stranded on the wrong side. We can take action together. Help us put pressure on phone companies to do more by signing this petition.

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In light of the disruption caused by recent coronavirus restrictions, UCAS has extended the deadline to submit undergraduate applications by two weeks. If you’re looking to start an undergraduate course in September 2021, you need to apply by 6pm on Friday 29 January.

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STAR volunteer and Cardiff committee member Hannah L has reflected on the incredible achievements that STAR groups have had this term. Despite the difficulties that COVID restrictions have brought university societies and volunteering organisations, STARs have adjusted incredibly well.

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This year has been unforgettable to put it mildly! At STAR, we have been so impressed by the work that STAR groups have put in despite the difficulties of running a society this year. In the run up to Christmas, we’ve been spotlighting groups, volunteering projects, campaigns and actions on our Instagram. Check out our ’12 Days of STARmas’ and follow us on instagram here

This Human Rights Day, Niamh Punton from Leeds STAR has written about the importance of family to all of us, and why it is essential to reform refugee family reunion laws. If you’d like to find out more about the Families Together campaign click here and to add your name to the Families Together open letter click here.

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Societies in all universities are struggling to adapt to COVID restrictions. At STAR we understand how demoralising it can be having your initial plans for the year be cancelled or severely restricted. But we also know that STAR groups are also incredibly creative and determined to unite students in their community and welcome refugees to the UK.

We’ve spoken to four STAR groups that held online or remote events and fundraisers and heard all about how they managed to plan and carry out these events.

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