Covid has made it particularly difficult to gain local support through statutory services to help 110 asylum seekers that have been dispersed from Asylum camps in England to Aberdeen (and other areas in Scotland). Core responsibilities have been challenged with covid impacting on staff capacity and access to venues, support has also been further compounded by support being provided for Afghan refugees which have been located into the city where a huge local effort has been made to support the families. The Asylum seekers have no recourse to funds, the only money they receive after completing the first part of the assessment application is £8 weekly paid onto an ASPEN card. They have arrived here with very little in the way of clothing and footwear, and even less appropriate for an wet and cold Aberdeen winter. While there has already been some sporadic donations of clothing and shoes from various sources, not all of this is suitable for the gentlemen, and there are gaps in what is being collected to what is required by individuals. It would also enable new underwear and socks to be bought. This grant will enable us to address specific clothing needs that have not been met through donations.
