This is an URGENT CALL OUT to help unaccompanied minors and young people seeking asylum during the period of quarantine due to Covid 19.

We need to raise £2000 to provide smartphones, data packages and laptops for young refugees.

This will enable them to keep connected, continue school work remotely, and access online services to support them.

*90% of Young People are on pay as you go phone contracts and usually rely on public wifi from school, libraries and cafes (now closed).

*80% of Young People have no access to laptops.

*Schools and colleges have closed and curriculum have been moved online. Without access to laptops and the internet, Young People cannot continue with their learning.

*Any youth clubs they attend are moving to online platforms. These are important support groups and social networks for the Young People, who have no family in the UK, and are integral to the Young People’s well being.

*The Young People are already susceptible to isolation and mental health issues. According to a UK research project, Becoming Adult, over a third have mental health problems.

There have been around 20 new arrivals with limited English in the last two weeks (recorded through access to Red Cross Refugee Services .) As a new arrival with limited english, navigating the current health advice will be confusing. Having a community to seek advice from, and connect with, has never been more important. As this is a global epidemic, many Young People will also be wanting to keep in contact with family over this uncertain time.

WHO WE ARE?

Compass Collective works with refugees and asylum seekers to empower and give them a voice.

WHAT COMPASS IS OFFERING?

We will identify which Young People do not have access to phones, internet and laptops.

*We will source, buy and distribute smartphones, data packages, and laptops.

*We will continue to facilitate free creative workshops, moving online to do so.

*We also want to create a platform where crucial information regarding Covid 19 will be translated in different languages in order to protect the young people’s safety.

*Our online sessions would build on the work we have begun with them through our drama programmes, building confidence and resilience in a creative way, within a safe and supported group setting.

*We will help guide the YP during a disorientating time of integrating to the UK and the added hurdle of isolation due to Covid 19.

How will the money be spent?

We will use the money to buy PHONES, SIM CARDS with data packages and LAPTOPS, so the young people can access the online support.