Poppy, a law graduate and advocate for the rights of refugees, spent six months in Calais volunteering for Collective Aid. In this video, she explains some of the misconceptions about what it means to be a refugee. She talks about the situation in Calais, her personal experiences, and what people can do to help if they want to.

 
 
 
If you were moved by this video and would like to help, Poppy suggests:
 
1. Educate yourself about the refugee crisis and the latest issues:

The Truth about Refugees – Amnesty International UK

The UN Refugee Agency UNHCR
Global organisation dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people

 
 
2. Get involved in any small way e.g. sign a petition to give safe passage or more support to refugees, or donate money and belongings to a charity:

Safe Passage  – campaign for more safe routes for refugees

British Red Cross

UN Refugee Agency UNHCR

Choose Love (Help Refugees)

 
 
3. Volunteer, through practical help or fundraising:

Collective Aid
Caring for refugees & other displaced people by engaging volunteers to step in where governments & large organisations do not

Help refugees who have come to the UK – GOV.UK

Photos from the Calais refugee camp

See more from Poppy:

Grad Bites: Volunteering in a Calais Refugee Camp
Poppy explains some of the misconceptions around refugees, & discusses her personal experiences as a volunteer in Calais

See more about working in the charity sector:

Charity Works for Happiness
Two young professionals talk about volunteering, introducing charitable initiatives & working in the charity sector