Refugees Rock, an innovative program that uses climbing to support the integration and wellbeing of individuals seeking sanctuary in the UK, has officially been granted charitable status. The project, which launched in 2021, has expanded from its original location at The Climbing Hangar in Liverpool to ten cities across the UK, impacting over 500 participants and promoting physical, mental, and social wellbeing through the sport of climbing.
Founded as a collaboration between the Action Asylum project, the British Red Cross, and The Climbing Hangar, Refugees Rock initially offered free monthly climbing sessions to asylum seekers and refugees who face severe restrictions on work and income. The project creates a welcoming environment at climbing facilities across the UK, with the support of over 100 dedicated volunteers known as “Boulder Buddies” from the local climbing community.
The achievement of charitable status in January 2025 marks a significant milestone for Refugees Rock, as it enables the organization to raise public awareness and access philanthropic funding and tax relief to further expand its vital work.
To commemorate this milestone, The Climbing Hangar has become Refugees Rock’s first corporate donor, contributing £10,000 to support the charity’s expansion plans.
Emma Leaper, Co-Founder and Trustee of Refugees Rock, explains the importance of the organization’s work: “Asylum seekers in the UK receive a meager allowance of only £7 per day and are not permitted to work. It is extremely challenging to maintain physical and social wellbeing under these circumstances. Refugees Rock provides a warm welcome, shared experiences, opportunities for new connections, and physical activity, which offers some relief from the stress and isolation that our participants face on a daily basis. This new charitable status gives us a platform for growth to increase our impact and engagement.”
One participant, Fadi Bobo from Lebanon, shares his experience with climbing and the positive impact it has had on his life: “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.”
The project has already demonstrated significant impact through its partnership model, working with local climbing facilities and refugee support organizations across the country. Ged MacDomhnaill, CEO of The Climbing Hangar, the location where the project first launched, highlights the unique benefits of climbing as an integration tool: “Climbing provides a unique environment where people of all ages, abilities, and experience levels can participate together. It transcends language and cultural barriers and promotes collaboration and celebration, while also offering mental and physical benefits. Refugees Rock has played a crucial role in helping us build a more diverse and inclusive climbing culture, and the groups bring an immense amount of laughter and goodwill to our climbing gyms.”
For those interested in getting involved with Refugees Rock or making a donation to the cause, please visit their website at https://refugeesrock.org or contact Vivien Underwood at hello@refugeesrock.org.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.