CASE STUDIES · Changemakers Innovation
RefuAid
From survival to success: Interest-free loans to refugees
From neurosurgeons to dentists, refugees and asylum seekers are rebuilding their careers through RefuAid’s innovative funding model.
Fund type
Collective Fund
Amount raised/granted
Over £2.3 million loaned
Years
Since 2015
Background
RefuAid was established by Anna Jones and Tamsyn Brewster in 2015 to provide practical support to people forced to flee their home countries. They’ve won numerous awards for their innovative approaches to solving the problem of equal access to finance.
In 2017 they launched the first interest-free loan product for refugees, helping individuals to requalify for work with UK accreditations through study and exams and enabling them to return to their careers.
Problem
The people RefuAid support work across a broad scope of careers and sectors, such as neurosurgeons, lawyers, engineers, and dentists. However, when first arriving to the UK they are only able to work on minimum wage roles. Refuaid found an innovative financial solution.
The Equal Access Loans not only cover the cost of reaccreditation courses but also deposits and rents on accommodation, as well as family reunification costs, if families are separated whilst fleeing.
“I would not have reached my destination and start working again as a doctor in the UK without RefuAid’s massive help and support. They held my hands towards the right track. To begin with, financially, they offered me a loan. I used the loan to pay for my courses and exams, which were very expensive and unaffordable. Within a six-month- period I had passed my PLAB1 and PLAB2 exams and registered [with] the GMC.”
–– Israa. Sudanese doctor now working in the UK
Impact
Since 2015 RefuAid has loaned over £2,293,516.87 and has an impressive 98% repayment rate. It’s supported 3,253 refugees through their different programmes which range from language to employability, including over 520 people supported to work in line with their skills and experiences.
“Without Prism we simply wouldn't exist. There is no way we had the time, experience or resources at the beginning to setup as an independent charity and absorb donations. However being a fund under Prism meant we didn't need to get bogged down in the daunting process and were able to begin working, getting help to where it was needed most immediately. For the last 3 years we've been a fund and achieved amazing success under the guidance and support of the whole team.”
–– Anna Jones. Co-founder, RefuAid
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