Calais – Direct Aid
There are currently around 700 refugees living in and around Calais. They are sleeping rough in the worst conditions and are not allowed to even have tents for shelter from the elements.
Their sleeping bags and possessions are regularly confiscated by the police as, since the closure of the ‘Jungle’ camp in October 2016, the authorities are determined to prevent another permanent camp from reforming.
UK: Direct Aid
When asylum-seekers arrive in the UK they are often housed in large hotels while waiting for their claims to be processed. There are an estimated 10,000 people housed in 100 such properties around the UK as the lengthy backlog in asylum processing and lack of suitable housing exacerbates the issue.
They are often lacking in the basics – a pair of shoes, a winter coat, wholesome food. Our UK volunteers help to provide as much of this as they can, as well as being a friendly face and giving assistance with more complex health or immigration issues.
UK – Access to Legal Support
Often crippled with lengthy delays and a serious lack of support for prospective claimants, the UK immigration system can be overwhelming for asylum seekers.
Our Access Team consists of specially trained volunteers who can help vulnerable asylum seekers organise what they need to begin the process. We make the immigration system accessible and fair, providing interpreters, collating paperwork and liaising with legal teams.
Dunkirk
Since April 2017, when the camp at Dunkirk burnt down, there have been refugees camping in the woods and fields in this area. They are mainly either Kurdish or Afghan and include many families with small children.
Care4Calais visits sites here twice a week to deliver direct aid, charge mobile phones, bring hot tea, food packs and firewood, and to engage in social activities with the refugees.
First Aid Support Team (FAST)
Care4Calais work closely with FAST, a volunteer group of healthcare professionals from the UK and the Netherlands who come to Calais and provide first aid support. They provide refugees with a crucial first point of call regarding health issues, identifying when people need emergency healthcare but also giving wound care advice and bandaging, over the counter medication and general first aid care.
The team will often accompany Care4Calais on distributions and are invaluable in helping with the many problems arising from the low living standards to which the refugees are exposed.
Calais – Direct Aid
There are currently around 700 refugees living in and around Calais. They are sleeping rough in the worst conditions and are not allowed to even have tents for shelter from the elements.
Their sleeping bags and possessions are regularly confiscated by the police as, since the closure of the ‘Jungle’ camp in October 2016, the authorities are determined to prevent another permanent camp from reforming.
UK: Direct Aid
When asylum-seekers arrive in the UK they are often housed in large hotels while waiting for their claims to be processed. There are an estimated 10,000 people housed in 100 such properties around the UK as the lengthy backlog in asylum processing and lack of suitable housing exacerbates the issue.
They are often lacking in the basics – a pair of shoes, a winter coat, wholesome food. Our UK volunteers help to provide as much of this as they can, as well as being a friendly face and giving assistance with more complex health or immigration issues.
UK – Access to Legal Support
Often crippled with lengthy delays and a serious lack of support for prospective claimants, the UK immigration system can be overwhelming for asylum seekers.
Our Access Team consists of specially trained volunteers who can help vulnerable asylum seekers organise what they need to begin the process. We make the immigration system accessible and fair, providing interpreters, collating paperwork and liaising with legal teams.
Dunkerque
Since April 2017, when the camp at Dunkerque burnt down, there have been refugees camping in the woods and fields in this area. They are mainly either Kurdish or Afghan and include many families with small children.
Care4Calais visits sites here twice a week to deliver direct aid, charge mobile phones, bring hot tea, food packs and firewood, and to engage in social activities with the refugees.
First Aid Support Team (FAST)
Care4Calais work closely with FAST, a volunteer group of healthcare professionals from the UK and the Netherlands who come to Calais and provide first aid support. They provide refugees with a crucial first point of call regarding health issues, identifying when people need emergency healthcare but also giving wound care advice and bandaging, over the counter medication and general first aid care.
The team will often accompany Care4Calais on distributions and are invaluable in helping with the many problems arising from the low living standards to which the refugees are exposed.
Any other ideas?
We are always open to volunteers with the connections and time to help us form new partnerships / start new projects. In the past we have had visits from teams of volunteer dentists, social workers and researchers. If you would like to work with us to bring a particular group or skill to help the refugees in Northern France, please contact us.