Burley-in-Wharfedale community group Wharfedale Refugee Response has launched its annual winter appeal, which aims is to provide essential items to male asylum seekers who have arrived alone in Bradford’s City of Sanctuary.
The group is asking members of the public to donate items such as toiletries, warm clothes and entertainment to show men currently waiting for decisions on asylum claims that they are welcome and valued, and to provide some practical assistance as the colder months arrive.
Many of those seeking asylum in Bradford are fleeing persecution from some of the most dangerous areas of the world, often separated from family members. They cannot work or claim state benefits while their asylum claims are being considered. This means that they can feel isolated and lonely, without the means to acquire clothing suitable for the Yorkshire winter.
Wharfedale Refugee Response is asking people to give anything from soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors and deodorant to medium-size socks and boxer briefs, joggers, coats and hats, scarves and gloves. The group also welcomes donations of rucksacks, snack bars and chess sets, playing cards and dominoes. Ideally, the items would be new, but outer clothing, such as t-shirts and hoodies, can be nearly new.
The items will be distributed to asylum seekers supported by Bradford Immigration and Asylum Support and Advice Network (BIASAN).
Donors are invited to a Coffee and Cake Drop-Off event at Burley-in-Wharfedale Methodist Church on Saturday 16th November, from 9am until 1pm. There will be hot drinks and homemade cakes available to buy on the day.
Sarah O’Mahony of Wharfedale Refugee Response said:
"We wanted to focus this year’s appeal on male asylum seekers, as there is a great need in this group. Appeals for women and children are generally well supported, but much less so for men, not helped by stigma created in the media.
"With an allowance of just £8.86 per week for transport, clothing, phone credit, non-prescription medicine and more, it can be almost impossible to afford life’s essentials. We want to show our support and offer at least a little help to the men who have arrived in Bradford’s City of Sanctuary to escape unimaginable horrors elsewhere.”
Anyone who would like to donate to the appeal, but who cannot make the drop-off event, can donate items between the 11th and 15th November at a dedicated collection box at 8 The Robins, LS29 7PR.
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