The desperation of refugees fleeing from Afghanistan and Syria in 2021 prompted a group of people residing in Deal to do something to help.

After several discussions it became apparent that there was a deeply rooted desire to help people who had escaped war and persecution. As a result Deal Area Refugee Aid (DARA) came into existence. Originally it was set up to become part of the government’s Syrian Refugee resettlement programme which sponsored a Syrian family selected from one of the refugee camps in Jordan to live in the Deal/Dover area.

But after the first charity event it was decided that more could be done to help a greater number of those seeking sanctuary.

By raising money for local refugee charities and fostering a positive and informed awareness in the local community of the plight of refugees, members of DARA wanted not only to try to dispel the myths of misinformation but to actively help those in need.

It was in 2022 that Deal Town Council started to support DARA and endorse its work by granting the use of the DTC logo. As Deal’s motto is: ‘Welcome the Stranger,’ it was appropriate that the town, with its long standing commitment to show compassion and care for those who seek sanctuary, should favour DARA’s mission.

In June 2024 DARA held a successful Refugee Week. An exhibition of children’s art on the theme of Our Home was held at the library, the film The Old Oak was screened at The Landmark Centre, a musical performance by Ooberfuse was held on the Pier and an open discussion event called ‘Conversations with Refugees’ took place at the Golf Road Centre as well as a book and plant sale to raise money for DARA in the Under Croft. The final event, initiated by Cliffs of Sanctuary and supported by DARA, culminated in a picnic on the beach involving 30 refugee families.

A proposal to Deal Town Council was put forward by DARA in 2022 for Deal to apply to become part of the City of Sanctuary network. Through close cooperation with DARA, Kent Refugee Action Network, Samphire, Cliffs of Sanctuary and Deal Town Council, Deal was awarded Town of Sanctuary status in October 2024.

“DARA recognises that seeking asylum as a result of war, persecution, famine or torture is a human right, not a crime.”