I have been volunteering with Collective Aid , one of several organizations based in Calais working in solidarity with people on the move.

Collective Aid provide services that offer hygiene, warmth, and a safe space to rest.

In Calais, they help approximately 700 people every month through the WASH (Water, Sanitation and

Hygiene) Centre and outreach. These services range from distributing material items such as clothes,

blankets and tents to operating a centre that provides laundry services and other activities in the city centre.

Our services at the Centre are even more essential as access to water for displaced people sleeping

rough throughout the city is often blocked and inaccessible, leaving people without the opportunity to wash their clothes, let alone have access to drinking water. Our Centre increases sustainable

practices on part of our operations, as the clothes we distribute are able to be re-worn through our

laundry services, instead of thrown away due to be unwashed. Over the past few months we have

increased our working hours, introduced new activities, and opened a free shop, allowing for more

choice within the context of our Centre.

Through ‘Outreach’, we are able to meet with

individuals and families living in informal sites throughout the city who are most in need of material

items to stay safe and warm. Clothing such as jumpers, joggers and underwear, as well as shelter

items including blankets and tents are some essential items that are necessary to protect oneself from

unstable environments.

www.collectiveaidngo.org

Instagram @collectiveaidorg

Twitter @collective_aid