Hi we are Supporters of Arriving Migrants and Asylum Seekers (SAMAS,) and we are setting up this fundraiser and local charitable organisation against a backdrop of rising tensions and a lack of humility to individuals migrating to our country and those seeking asylum.

Members of our group have been helping to co-ordinate support and a warm welcome for refugees locally for over 3 years, and with this now only a seemingly worsening situation we are looking to step up support available for those arriving.

This has, in the main, become our critical focus due to our proximity to one of the newly proposed army camp conversions, in Crowborough, East Sussex.

Whereas with previous arrivals to the community, either with residents coming from Ukraine into people’s homes, or Afghan families utilising the camp themselves, the latest updates have caused huge divisions in the community and animosity of the like we’ve not seen before.

The protests and marches have been well documented, and there is a torrent of misinformation and scaremongering, which has led to a large proportion of the community who may have been willing to welcome new arrivals being silenced and cautious about voicing any differing opinions.

With arrivals looking imminent now we are focussing efforts to demonstrate there are members of the community, that although having their own apprehensions about the scale of arrivals and impacts on stretched infrastructure, would like to do something to help.

We believe that the best way in which to help anyone who arrives at the camp integrate into our community, and continue on their asylum journey, is with compassion and to try and provide any support possible that individuals may need.

The idea of our group and what this fundraiser will support, is to bring together local people, and utilise their skills and compassion to help deliver support to any new arrivals.

Working with other local and national organisations and charities, along with other groups that have experience providing support in these situations, to help meet as many of the identified needs as possible. As an organisation we are looking to support other services able to be provided externally , as well as co-ordinating and providing some ourselves where needed and most appropriate with our volunteers.

Please do support us if you can, every penny raised will be going to support new arrivals, and will help to make a real impact for some of the newest and most vulnerable people in our society.

From transporting people to medical or legal appointments, providing toiletries, or even helping to fund mobility equipment, we will be looking to address some of the most urgent needs of anyone arriving with all of the income we generate.

Do get in contact if you would like to know more or help out in any way, and thank you for every donation. Your kindness and generosity is needed now more than ever.