
Policy and Campaigning
As a community-led organization, we actively advocate for the rights and well-being of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people. We recognize that their voices are often unheard in the political realm, and we are dedicated to changing that. Our goal is to elevate the issues affecting this group and ensure they are given priority.
With our origins rooted in this cause, we place special emphasis on addressing the mental health and well-being challenges faced by young and unaccompanied asylum-seekers and refugees. These individuals often endure trauma, compounded by negative experiences within the care system and the asylum process. Age disputes, prolonged delays in asylum decisions, inadequate care through social services, homelessness, substandard housing, and forced family separation are just a few of the pressing issues that impact this vulnerable group. Furthermore, racism and xenophobia permeate their everyday lives, from interactions with social workers and care providers to negative encounters with law enforcement and the criminal justice system, as well as unfair portrayals in politics and media.
To reshape the narrative, we actively collaborate with the press and media. Da'aro Youth Project has been a positive force for change, featured in reputable publications such as The Guardian, The Times, The Independent, The Financial Times, BBC News, ITV News, and local media outlets. We also engage directly with parliamentarians, bringing attention to the issues we raise within the Houses of Parliament. In fact, we have written to the government in collaboration with 46 other organizations from the children's and mental health sectors, initiating discussions with the Department for Education and the Home Office on matters that directly impact the young people we support.