Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page

Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group (SWVG) is a group of volunteers who befriend and support asylum seekers and refugees. Our trained visitors provide emotional and practical support, help with access to legal advice, health care and travel costs. 

I have been a member of SWVG for 15 years and as a visitor met many courageous people who waited years for their claim to be properly heard, some eventually allowed to stay and now working and contributing. Today any asylum seeker making a fresh claim must present his papers in person in Liverpool necessitating a 230 mile trip, vast cost for a person on subsistence of £5 a day; there is no interview merely a 5 min appointment so papers can be passed over.  The rationale behind this is baffling and symptomatic of Home Office attitudes towards these vulnerable people. SWVG  helps with fares where necessary.

Saul Owen, 9 year old grandson, who is reading a book about a refugee child and wanted to support refugees as he became aware of some of the issues.
SWVG needs to raise £80.000 p.a. to continue to support in the ways we do now.

80% of money raised comes directly to SWVG to enable us to continue helping, 20% to The Rotary Club who organise the walk, providing marshalls, first aid and back up.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.