TheOxford English Dictionary definition of destitution is ‘extreme poverty and lacking the means to provide for oneself’.

Everyone has the right to claim asylum under the 1951 Geneva Convention. Many of those that claim asylum will find themselves destitute… 

Many asylum seekers within the UK are forced into destitution when their claims for asylum are turned down. The way we treat these individuals is a blight upon the proud record this country has of providing for those who come to the UKin search of sanctuary.

When asylum seekers become destitute they rely upon charities, families and friends to support them. Those forced into destitution can lead to physical and mental health issues and increased vulnerability (especially for those with existing health conditions)

In order to raise awareness for destitute asylum seekers the Refugee Council inBirmingham is running a fundraising event on Saturday 6^th June 2009.

IT IS ONLY TEN HOURS…

We will be spending ten hours in the centre of Birmingham with nothing more than a £1 per person to spend. 10 hours is a long time to survive with only £1. Where would you go? What would you do? How would you feel? Now imagine this was for days or weeks or months on end…

On the 6^th June 2009, participants will meet at the Refugee Council in Birmingham at 9am. We will start the day by raising awareness through showing two films relating to destitution.

We will put keep everyone's possessions (wallet, money, mobile phone, cigarettes etc) in a safe place and give each participant £1 to spend throughout the day. This is the only money they will have access to!

We will split participants into groups and give them specific tasks throughout the day relating to destitution and awareness raising including finding out what services there are in Birmingham for destitute asylum seekers and refugees.

Refugee Week is taking place between 15th and 21st June 2009. the focus on this years campaign is 'simple acts' - by doing one or move simple acts we can change the way refugees and british born people see each other (http://www.refugeeweek.org.uk/simple-acts/). Participants to do a number of these simple acts through the day including learning words in a new language, smiling (!), sharing sweets and creating a banner in support of refugees.  

We will finish the day at 7pm where all possessions will be handed back to participants. Following this Celebrating Sanctuary (part of Refugee Week) will be running a free refugee music event in the city centre which everyone will be encouraged to attend. 

Why are we doing this?

This event will raise awareness around destitution and the provisions available for destitute asylum seekers inBirmingham. It will also allow people to have a unique perspective into what destitution may feel like.

Personal reflections of participant’s experience of the day will be displayed during Refugee Week to bring this to the attention of more people.

By sponsoring this event you are sponsoring the event itself rather than individual participants.This day will act as a fundraiser for destitution support in theWest Midlands. Please give as much as you can as your donation will go towards improve the lives of asylum seekers and refugees facing destitution in the West Midlands. 

If you would like to know more or are interested in participating in the event please call me on 07774987303.

Thanks!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Refugee Council gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.