Following the successful and moving events of this year’s Refugee Week, we are asking that those who have a spare tent and/or sleeping bag might donate it to those in need in Calais. Shelter for asylum seekers is very hard to find in Calais. Their tents are cleared away by the authorities twice a week, so there is little chance of holding on to a safe place to sleep. If you can, please consider giving tents and sleeping bags, which can be transported to Calais. You can email jarnold@diocant.org at The Social Justice Network, leave them in Diocesan House, Lady Wootton’s Green, CT1 1NQ, or bring them to Cathedral House. Alternatively, you can give money to the USPG appeal: The link is : http://refugee-appeal.uspg.org.uk/
Mobile Phone Appeal for Refugees
An appeal for old phones for refugees from Jonathan Arnold and the Social Justice Network.
Phones are greatly needed by refugees stuck in Northern France, and in extremely short supply. They can allow people to stay in touch with family far away, and to not be separated from family they are traveling with. In many different circumstances having a phone can reduce the dangers faced when someone is isolated, lost, and vulnerable.
Since there is so great a need, your phone will be given to those assessed to be the most vulnerable by Refugee Women’s Centre volunteers starting with pregnant mothers. A phone can make all the difference in getting a woman to the hospital in time for her health, and to protect the life of her unborn child.
Before donating:
1. Go into settings to factory reset the phone. On the ground associations have sim cards in stock. Phones that can be used with these are ones that are not locked to one network.
2.If you have the charger, please include it too; even if you don’t, chargeless phones are welcome. Likewise, if you have extra chargers laying around, please donate them. We can find matches for them here them here (European wall plugs not necessary).
You can email jarnold@diocant.org at The Social Justice Network, leave them in Diocesan House, Lady Wootton’s Green, CT1 1NQ, or bring them to Cathedral House.