Essentials for asylum seeker mother and baby
Donation protected
Hey everyone. A friend of mine who is an asylum seeker is in need of funds as the derisory support they receive from the government is no way near enough to sustain themselves and their child.
As an asylum seeker, my friend is subject to many levels of state violence on a daily basis, especially in the form of systemic financial and social marginalisation. Many of us during the pandemic have spoken of how important it is to create strong community support for each other - and the importance of fighting against racist systemic structures in genuine and meaningful ways - ways that undermine the current structural power dynamics and attempt to rebalance this in whatever way possible.
Considering the financial barriers against my friend due to their race, their legal status, their position as a single mother, their lack of a right to work etc, any monetary support given can make a genuine difference to their life. Considering the above, it would be hugely appreciated if people could recognise their privilege in this - if you have more to spare then please give more.
Furthermore, the Home Office recently changed and completely botched up the new cash card system used by asylum seekers, which resulted in many (including my friend) not receiving one or being able to activate them. Asylum seekers already receive totally inadequate support from the government but now many don’t even have the means to use the little support given and it has left my friend in a very difficult situation. (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jun/02/thousands-of-asylum-seekers-go-hungry-after-cash-card-problems)
Not only does my friend need money for essentials like food for themselves and their child, they need help affording travel to and from the Home Office for reporting, travel to hospital appointments due to a recent diagnosis of arthritis and money for new toys for their child who has recently been diagnosed with autism. They have been recommended certain toys to help with their child's speech development, but this obviously costs a lot of money.
The financial support the government gives is barely enough to stay afloat and people shouldn’t be having to live lives where staying afloat is the goal. People deserve and should have the right to live dignified and fulfilling lives and if the government isn’t making this possible for certain people then those of us with financial privilege should be trying to do it ourselves. This isn’t just about stepping in to fill the gaps but about creating long term community resistance against the structural violence faced by those who are marginalised.
It would be really ideal and hugely appreciated if anybody wanted to set up a recurring payment. If so, please feel free to contact me through this page and we can discuss how that can happen.
Thanks so much for your support!
As an asylum seeker, my friend is subject to many levels of state violence on a daily basis, especially in the form of systemic financial and social marginalisation. Many of us during the pandemic have spoken of how important it is to create strong community support for each other - and the importance of fighting against racist systemic structures in genuine and meaningful ways - ways that undermine the current structural power dynamics and attempt to rebalance this in whatever way possible.
Considering the financial barriers against my friend due to their race, their legal status, their position as a single mother, their lack of a right to work etc, any monetary support given can make a genuine difference to their life. Considering the above, it would be hugely appreciated if people could recognise their privilege in this - if you have more to spare then please give more.
Furthermore, the Home Office recently changed and completely botched up the new cash card system used by asylum seekers, which resulted in many (including my friend) not receiving one or being able to activate them. Asylum seekers already receive totally inadequate support from the government but now many don’t even have the means to use the little support given and it has left my friend in a very difficult situation. (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jun/02/thousands-of-asylum-seekers-go-hungry-after-cash-card-problems)
Not only does my friend need money for essentials like food for themselves and their child, they need help affording travel to and from the Home Office for reporting, travel to hospital appointments due to a recent diagnosis of arthritis and money for new toys for their child who has recently been diagnosed with autism. They have been recommended certain toys to help with their child's speech development, but this obviously costs a lot of money.
The financial support the government gives is barely enough to stay afloat and people shouldn’t be having to live lives where staying afloat is the goal. People deserve and should have the right to live dignified and fulfilling lives and if the government isn’t making this possible for certain people then those of us with financial privilege should be trying to do it ourselves. This isn’t just about stepping in to fill the gaps but about creating long term community resistance against the structural violence faced by those who are marginalised.
It would be really ideal and hugely appreciated if anybody wanted to set up a recurring payment. If so, please feel free to contact me through this page and we can discuss how that can happen.
Thanks so much for your support!
Organizer
James Harrison
Organizer
England
