Refugees Rock is a free climbing club for people fleeing war, persecution and exploitation.

We’re building a UK-wide community that welcomes anyone seeking sanctuary, sharing the joy of climbing to promote wellbeing, fun and a sense of belonging.

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Why Refugees Rock?

For asylum seekers, arriving in the UK is not the end of their journey. Living on an allowance of £7* per day and not permitted to work, they face uncertainty and insecurity waiting for a decision on whether they’ll be allowed to stay.

It’s almost impossible to maintain quality of life, and mental and physical wellbeing are a daily struggle.

Being part of a community can be life-changing for refugees and asylum seekers as they find their feet in a new country. Climbing offers a unique opportunity to share experiences, regardless of language, background, age and ability. Refugees Rock creates safe spaces with connection, and celebration at their heart.

About

our groups

50+ volunteers

11 groups

500 climbers

We currently have groups established in 11 locations, and counting! They include:

Liverpool
Sheffield
Manchester
Ellesmere Port
Swansea
Reading
Exeter
Plymouth
Leeds
Bristol
Edinburgh

Fadi Bobo, Lebanon

“I like this kind of sport because there is no winner or loser, everyone will win together, we will all reach the top. We help each other. I like the climbing community because everyone is happy and friendly."

Murad Ali

"In the hotel, all I think of is the future and what will happen to my asylum application.

But today after my introduction to the Action Asylum project and joining the Refugees Rock, I had the opportunity to make new friends, acquire further knowledge and skills".

Simon, Liverpool Boulder Buddy

“We all have anxieties, stress about money, worries about what’s happening in the world.

But our Rockers have fled such hardship. Seeing them get stuck into their first climbs with a beaming smile on their faces. It’s joyful, and humbling. It’s given me an entirely different perspective.”

Sessions are supported by volunteer Boulder Buddies from the local community - usually super-psyched climbers who like nothing better than helping new people onto the wall.

The National Project office provides guidance to launch new groups, raises national visibility through marketing and media opportunities and hosts the Partners Community for peer to peer support.

How does it work?

Climbing walls and charities across the UK partner up to host a regular, free climbing session every month, often during quiet climbing times.

Walls provide the space, equipment and post-climb refreshments; charities bring the climbers, and accompany them to sessions to provide support and maximise the fun.