Here is a peice from their website, but click here to find out more.
Asylum seekers become destitute when all the support they have been receiving from government is withdrawn following a final negative decision on an asylum claim. We often hear that they are failed because they are not genuine, but researches in 2003 by a group of MPs found that over half of those refused were in fact genuine; a proportion thought to be even greater now due to lack of adquate legal help.
Refused asylum seekers are not allowed to work, to register themselves as homeless, or places in local authority night shelters. There is no legal way for them to support themselves. Many become destitute, struggling daily for food, accommodation and clothing. It is estimated that there is about 1000 destitute asylum seekers in the Sheffield area alone.
What help do we give?
- finding night shelter for those sleeping rough
- finding temporary accommodation with host families
- paying a small weekly grant for food and basic living expenses
- advising about other sources of assistance available (charitable and non-charitable)
- giving free bus pass vouchers to those with serious medical problems, and pregnant women who would find it difficult to walk
- giving free bicycles
- finding longer term solutions by assisting clients to pursue their asylum claims
- raising awareness to the problem through events and talks
- opportunities for volunteering
And now.. some lovely pictures of the choir raising money and awareness for this group!
If you look carefully, you can see me in the background next to my very smily friend Magali!
We sang for an hour, and had a great time.. hopefully we raised a bit of money for this worthy charity :-)
1 comment:
Excellent! Glad you had good weather for it, too.
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