Meeting for Sufferings: The plight of asylum seekers
The challenges face by destitute asylum seekers was one of the subjects highlighted at Meeeting for Sufferings
The plight of destitute asylum seekers was one of the subjects highlighted at Meeeting for Sufferings held in the George Fox Room at Friends House on Saurday 28 March.
Sheila Mosley of the Quaker Asylum and Refugee Network (QARN) spoke to the paper Asylum Seekers: Destitution. This included minutes from five Area Meetings: South East London; Pendle Hill; Leeds; North East Thames; and Leicester.
Sheila said that QARN wanted Friends to understand the issues around asylum seekers and destitution, and ‘to be able to go out into the world with them’. She referred to a recent Joseph Rowntree Foundation report which found failed asylum seekers the group most likely to be destitute.
Representatives at Sufferings were asked to share their experiences of working with asylum seekers.
One Friend said that her Meeting formed a support group for refugees and asylum seekers almost nine years ago. Friends contribute to a destitution fund to help feed those in need. They also provide language and sewing classes.
A Friend told Sufferings that his Meeting collects secondhand suitcases for asylum seekers. He added that toiletries and nappies are always needed.
Another Meeting collects clothes, toiletries and books. Friends have a box in a cupboard at the Meeting house for this, and add to it as and when they can. The contents are given to a local charity once a month.
A Friend described some of the activities of her Area Meeting, which is located in a region with a large population of asylum seekers. These include providing legal advice and practical assistance, such as help with furnishing new homes.
Another Friend spoke of a project to give families of asylum seekers short breaks in the countryside, to help traumatised children, in particular. Members of another Meeting organise walks in the country with asylum seekers.
Other Meetings and Area Meetings have set up shelters, either by themselves or with other churches. Sufferings heard how destitute asylum seekers had temporarily lost their shelter at Leicester Cathedral, having been displaced by the memorial service for Richard III.
Several Friends mentioned working with the Red Cross. Another stressed the plight of single women, a hidden group among asylum seekers.
A Friend asked that Britain Yearly Meeting make a statement about asylum seekers and destitution. This should be in the near future, ideally in the early stages of the next government, she advised.
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