RAMA - Colchester

On the very hottest day of the year (so far!) we were lucky enough to take a group of 10 clients on a sailing trip aboard The Pioneer; a beautifully renovated 160-year-old fishing smack based in Brightlingsea.

Sailing along the River Colne, the group enthusiastically participated in a range of maritime tasks such as rigging, changing the sails, steering the boat and, of course, making tea! The day required serious team work and the experience fostered a deep connection among the group.  While seeking shade under one of the sails, participants spontaneously started to sing together in Arabic, French, English, and Sudanese languages. The therapeutic impact of the trip was clear to see and, as one client said afterwards: “This was the best day. Thank you for this day. My mind was at peace.”

A heart-felt thanks to all the individuals, volunteers and partners who make these trips and visits possible and help make our clients feel more welcome and connected to their local community!

🚨Exciting opportunities available with CAMS and CASP:
• Survivor Connect Coordinator (20 hrs/week)
• Antislavery Coordinator (8–10 hrs/week)

Apply now – applications close 31 July 2026.

🚨 URGENT APPEAL 🚨

We have been alerted to a deeply concerning situation involving a 54-year-old disabled asylum seeker who uses a wheelchair and requires care three times a day to meet his basic needs.

He was evicted from his asylum hotel and has now spent SIX NIGHTS outside, sleeping in his wheelchair. Yesterday, we advised him to attend the local hospital, where staff were extremely concerned about his condition. They have told us that he cannot continue surviving like this.

His legs are now severely swollen, he is developing pressure sores, and because he is destitute, he has not been eating properly. As a result, his medications are becoming ineffective.

Multiple referrals have been made to social services, but support has been refused. We have been told that as soon as he has accommodation again — even a hotel or emergency shelter — they can reinstate his carers. However, he has no recourse to public funds, and no local shelter is able to accommodate his needs.

We urgently need to get him into a hotel before the upcoming heatwave puts his health at even greater risk. This will give us the opportunity to continue pressing the Home Office for emergency accommodation and secure the support he desperately needs.

If you can help, please visit our local giving page via the link below and reference HOTEL when donating.

https://localgiving.org/charity/rama

Every hour matters.