UPDATE 03/10/21: We are continuing to fulfil requests from asylum seekers in the city and from a large number of Afghan refugees who are in local temporary accomodation. Although we have had a wonderful response to our requests for donations of clothes and other items, there are some items which we have to buy, such as underwear and shoes in the correct size. The money you have donated is being put to good use, but we have many more requests to fulfil. Please donate what you can.

UPDATE 03/09/21: We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our supporters which has allowed us to reach our target of £3000 in less than a month. We are still working hard to support new arrivals from Afghanistan on top of our regular work supporting asylum seekers and refugees facing destitution in Southampton. That is why we have raised our target, which will allow us to help more people over a longer period of time. We are a small charity run entirely by volunteers, so every penny raised will go to buy essentials like toiletries, shoes and clothes for the people we support. Thank you to everyone who has donated already, and to our new supporters - please donate what you can!

UPDATE 19/08/21: On 19th August, Southampton City Council announced they were in discussions about welcoming Afghans as part of the government's resettlement scheme. Southampton Action is currently working with partners within the city to develop a plan to support the new arrivals in addition to the asylum seekers we are already supporting. This means we are even more in need of your help - please donate what you can!

We are currently supporting asylum seekers who are being housed in temporary accommodation in the South of England. Many do not have adequate clothes, shoes, toiletries or other necessities, and we are working hard to plug the gap.

£5 will buy a bag of toiletries for one asylum seeker.

£10 will help towards the cost of clothing and shoes.

Many asylum seekers will have been through hugely traumatising experiences, both in their own countries and on their journey to the UK. Yet when they reach what they believe to be a place of safety, they are faced with a hostile asylum system.

Meeting people's basic physical needs should only be the first step in welcoming them to this country, but the Home Office appears to be more and more reluctant to provide even the bare minimum of support.

We at Southampton Action believe that asylum seekers deserve to be treated with compassion, dignity and respect while their claims are being assessed, just as we would expect to be treated if we were forced to seek asylum in another country. We listen to individuals' needs and do our best to provide the necessities they lack, for example clothes, toiletries or shoes. But by donating to our appeal, you are not only providing asylum seekers with physical necessities. You are telling them that they are welcome and extending the hand of friendship.

Please be part of the welcome and donate today!