Suffolk Refugee Support in Ipswich turns 25 with new patron

This year, Suffolk Refugee Support (SRS) turns 25. Since 1999, the charity, based in St Matthew’s Street in Ipswich, has been supporting people who have arrive in Suffolk after fleeing their home countries.

In honour of this milestone, SRS has appointed its first-ever patron.

Sir Nick Young first moved to Suffolk from London in 1979. A former corporate lawyer, he has since built a name for himself in the charity sector, first with Sue Ryder and Leonard Cheshire. He then became chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, and then of the British Red Cross.

• 'I'm unstoppable' - Iraqi journalist who fled to Ipswich tells story

In 2000, Sir Nick was knighted for services to cancer care, and in 2013 he received the Queen’s Badge of Honour. Image: British Red Cross (Image: British Red Cross) Suffolk Refugee Support is based in St Matthew's Street in Ipswich. Image: Google Maps (Image: Google Maps)

In 2000, Sir Nick was knighted for services to cancer care, and in 2013 he received the Queen’s Badge of Honour.

Sir Nick said that he had been an admirer of the work SRS does for a number of years.

Helping refugees to flourish and put down roots in our county remains one of SRS’ main goals. Just last year, the organisation supported 1,500 people.

“When people come to this county, in 99 cases out of 100 they make a huge contribution,” said Sir Nick. “They’re keen to build a life here for themselves and their families – a life which they can’t build in their own country.”

He continued: “Suffolk Refugee Support is keen to make sure that our asylum system is fit for purpose. That we get quick decisions for those who seek asylum here, and that there are proper resources devoted to help settle them properly in our country in the way that we would expect to be resettled overseas.”

As patron, he is keen to help build support for SRS, particularly amongst some of Suffolk’s largest institutes. He hopes that other corporations will follow the example of Ipswich Town, which currently gives “wonderful” opportunities to SRS’ clients.

Sir Nick said he was pleased that people in our county offer a warm welcome to vulnerable people fleeing terrifying situations.

“Long may Suffolk continue to be a county where asylum seekers are welcomed and given the opportunity to rebuild their lives,” he said.

“We can dream, that’s what charities are all about – helping people’s dreams come true in some way, even if it’s a small way.”