We are START – Students and Refugees Together
Our mission is to work in partnership with families, individuals and organisations to facilitate the transition of refugees from people in need to self reliant contributors to their local communities. START recognises the skills and experiences that refugees bring to the city. As a learning organisation, START uniquely utilises the student placement as a resource which together with the strengths and skills of the community, we work out what support is needed and how to achieve it.
“To plant a garden is to believe in hope”
At START our work aims to support refugees to reduce the impact and isolation they feel coming to live in Plymouth in a number of different ways. We offer holistic support either by working on a one to one basis or through community activities. Our team also advocates and assists refugees to live within new communities or to move to new geographical locations. We provide various community activities that promote recreation and other leisure time occupations within the refugee communities – These activities seek to reduce social isolation, promote healthy living and create volunteering opportunities. The aspect of our work linked with universities advances the education of students in training by providing learning experiences, which contribute to their personal and professional development.
The Strengths Approach
The way START works is always guided by the strengths approach. This applies to work with individuals and their families, with students, staff and volunteers. It also steers the organisation and its relationships with other institutions. Principles of the strengths approach are similar to those of trauma informed practice. They include the belief that:
- All situations are rich with resources however difficult they seem.
- People, communities and organisations can change.
- Everyone’s contribution is valued and needed.
- Difficulties, however severe, can also be a source of resilience and creativity.
- We cannot know the potential of others and must not place limits on their aspirations.
To explore the Strengths Approach and it’s application you can read the recent publication ‘The Strengths Approach in Practice’ by START Trustees Avril Bellinger & Deirdre Ford.
“This book advances passionate and conceptually sound arguments for practical, philosophical and political applications of strengths approaches to complex social challenges, arguing that there is always something that can be done.” Carole Adamson, University of Auckland
“An inspiring account of a prize-winning international co-operation, in which students, refugees, volunteers and professionals make a dynamic contribution to the wellbeing of a city.” Bill Jordan, University of Plymouth
Available from Bristol University Press