We started the asylum seeker drop in during the pandemic, when we became aware of how many asylum seekers were essentially trapped in initial accomodation, awaiting a decision from the Home Office on their cases. We quickly realised how desperate many people were - most had no winter clothing and they had no money to pay for hygiene products to keep them safe. So we started then to give out clothing and hygiene bags which included masks, sanitizers and wipes. They then started attending our ESOL classes, but as we were restricted on numbers we decided to run a seperate class for them after drop in; we now have 3 classes for beginners/intermediate and advanced.

We had thought that things would be back to normal by now, and demand would decrease as people were moved to other areas, however that has not been the case and we continue to have many people attend each week. As word has spread we are also getting referrals for asylum seekers across the borough who are dispersed, finding themselves alone, vulnerable and in need of support.

Every person we work with has a story to tell, a story of fleeing war torn countries, of leaving behind friends and family in a quest for a better life, a safer life. We have lawyers, engineers, vets, scientists - people who want to contribute to the UK, but at the moment they are not allowed to and they need our help. They are navigating a hostile system with few resources and often few language skills. Our drop in is a glimmer of hope in what is often a very dark journey, it is a place of sanctuary where they are welcomed and it is vital that we keep it going.

None of our work around asylum seekers is funded so we need YOUR HELP to raise enough money to keep the drop in going as well as to provide financial support to individuals where needed such as bus fares, clothing and hygiene products.