Articles - Miscellaneous

PAFRAS

PAFRAS (Positive Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers) works with asylum seekers, refugees and local communities in Leeds and the surrounding areas, working mainly with destitute asylum seekers who are homeless, without food or money and prevented from improving their situation. PAFRAS currently receives more than 200 visits each month from destitute asylum seekers, and in constrained circumstances provides a range of services. They have a Drop in Centre in Chapeltown where they offer one to one support for clients, food and other essential items (eg toiletries, clothes, blankets, food parcels), social activities and volunteering.

There are over 3,000 destitute asylum seekers in Leeds , with no access to housing and benefits and no rights to work. They are predominately those who have reached a final negative decision on their claim for asylum and are 'in effect non-citizens required to fend for themselves bringing with it all the associated problems'.

The situation is becoming increasingly desperate and in one month PAFRAS saw 8 people who attempted suicide and others who self-harmed. Some have serious medical conditions including terminal illness and without access to healthcare whilst other clients have included women up to 8 months pregnant rough sleeping. The number street homeless is increasing whilst those more fortunate are the 'hidden homeless' often on floors in overcrowded housing.

Many destitute asylum seekers are unable to return to their own countries for fear of persecution, torture or death. It is unsafe for these people to return and there are some countries to which the Government will not send people back. Yet they still refuse these people the right to work, or to provide food, money or shelter. Left in a limbo they are forced towards homelessness, ill health and starvation.

Over the summer we in St Edmund's learnt that PAFRAS was desperate for food and a plea was made during some of the services in August. (Lists of the food required can be obtained from the back of church). There has been a really generous response and Simon has received a letter of thanks from them.

"I would like to thank your Church for the collection and delivery of food for our destitution project. PAFRAS really appreciate the support showed by the members of your congregation and would like to highlight the essential role that this food has in the survival of our vulnerable clients."

26 September, 2006