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 Dr Aida Alayarian
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Moving plea by refugee centre
‘We need £600,000 for new base’
FOR almost 10 years an Archway centre has quietly provided a haven for refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom have fled from war and oppression.
Now the Refugee Therapy Centre is appealing for money so it can move to new offices in Tollington Park, where it can expand its desperately needed services.
The centre was founded by two former refugees, clinical director Dr Aida Alayarian, who is Armenian, and Dr Josephine Klein, who is from a Jewish background.
Dr Alayarian describes the work of the refuge as providing therapeutic support for immigrants, many of whom do not speak a word of English and suffer from culture shock and alienation.
More than 100 volunteers help translate up to 20 languages at the centre, which has Islington North Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn as its patron.
Dr Alayarian said: “There is a tendency, even among intelligent people, to talk about refugees in a negative way. We try to dispel many of the myths.”
People should try to put themselves in the position of refugees, Dr Alayarian said. “Imagine that you face daily perils of civil war and disease and you have heard about Britain’s great democratic society,” she said. “Wouldn’t you want to go and seek a new life?
“Britain has welcomed refugees and asylum seekers throughout its history. They have gone on to make an enormous contribution to our society. It’s what makes Britain great.”
Funded by Islington Primary Care Trust, the centre’s existing office in St John’s Way was bequeathed by a supporter but is now too small.
The new base in Tollington Way needs £1 million refurbishment by next year otherwise the refuge will lose the building.
To date, £200,000 has been raised but another £600,000 is needed.
For information on how you can help, contact the refuge at Della Clyne House, 40 St John’s Way, N19 or call 020 7272 2565. |
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