Hello Friend,
I am an ESL teacher at Learn For Life on London Road, Sheffield. Many of my students have come to England to seek asylum. As they are not allowed to work, students come to our classes wanting to improve their language skills and many also show an interest in volunteering and taking part in the community. It is often clear that students are struggling with the drudgery and legal wranggling of their asylum cases, not to mention the uncertainty about their futures and the background of why they left their homes... Unfortunately, many simply disappear from class one day. Among those who slip through the cracks of our provision, how many have received that letter? How many have been refused leave to remain? Being unable to return to their place of origin, how many are forced into homelessness and destitution? In running for Assist Sheffield I am privileged to be able to raise funds for a charity which can help to some of the students who I no longer see in my classroom.
Assist can help refused asylum seekers in the following ways;
- 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
Assist is part of the Still Human Still Here Campaign, which is calling on the government to end the barbaric policy of enforced destitution. Please watch the video at http://stillhumanstillhere.wordpress.com/
Thank you so much for your contributions. You can be sure that the money will have a real impact on the lives of those who need it the most.
Katelyn X
