Asylum seekers are people who come here seeking asylum, who have escaped danger or torture in their countries of origin.
Most cases are turned down, most appeals are unsuccessful and costly, so that people are held in suspense frequently for 8-12 years or even more.
DURING THIS TIME THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO WORK, AND THEY ARE HOUSED IN SHAMEFUL CONDITIONS, FAR FROM THE CENTRE OF TOWN, AND GIVEN ABOUT 25-35 POUNDS A WEEK, WHICH DOESN'T COVER THE COST OF FOOD, LET ALONE FARES.
We at CAMDEN CITY OF SANCTUARY are volunteering to teach refugees and asylum seekers English, but almost none can afford to travel to the classes.
So we're raising funds to pay for a travel- or oyster card one day a week so they can get to the classes and have a day in different surroundings, and perhaps visit a museum or park.