Links
Asylum/Refuge
Amnesty International
An international movement of ordinary people standing up for human rights, producing extraordinary results. Prisoners of conscience released, death sentences, torturers brought to justice, governments persuaded to change ... the Sheffield group meets monthly in the city. Tel. Sheff. 255 5748 or email sheffieldamnesty@yahoo.co.uk
ASSIST Rotherham
Working to provide some support to destitute asylum seekers when all the support they have been receiving from government is withdrawn following a final negative decision on an asylum claim. Not allowed to work, many become destitute, struggling daily for food, accommodation and clothing. There are about 1000 destitute asylum seekers in Sheffield alone. Volunteers are always welcome, and ASSIST run volunteer induction evenings. They also run great benefit concerts with food!
ASSIST Sheffield
Working to provide some support to destitute asylum seekers when all the support they have been receiving from government is withdrawn following a final negative decision on an asylum claim. Not allowed to work, many become destitute, struggling daily for food, accommodation and clothing. There are about 1000 destitute asylum seekers in Sheffield alone. Volunteers are always welcome, and ASSIST run volunteer induction evenings. They also run great benefit concerts with food!
City of Sanctuary
Sheffield was the first UK city to become a City of Sanctuary. The organisation involves dozens of groups working to build a culture of hospitality and welcome for asylum-seekers and refugees.
They provide information and activities from offering friendship, advocacy and language exchanges, to organised walks, solidarity protests and emergency accommodation
There's a nice short video which says it all, Click to view video
New Beginnings Refugee Project
This project helps refugees and asylum seekers to get into worthwhile volunteering opportunities. It also offers help to organisations wanting to involve refugees and asylum seeker volunteers through advice, good practice guidelines and translated resources. It is run by The Volunteer Centre Sheffield, part of Voluntary Action Sheffield.
Nomad
Campaigning, support and advice for people under the strains of social housing, council housing or homelessness. In a sea of difficulties, Nomad has been a lifeboat for two decades. Its Burngreave office deals with tenancy support, and its West Street office helps in other areas. Opportunities for volunteers also available. Tel. Sheff. 2755441
Northern Refugee Centre
Welcomes volunteers and offers services like 'time together' mentoring, helping with integration into UK life
Also offers women-friendly advice sessions for refugees and asylum seekers on Wednesday mornings at Sheffield Advice Link, North Gallery, Castle Market, Sheffield. Translation can be arranged. Advice on asylum support and welfare benefits, maternity grants, domestic violence, NASS support problems and section 4, housing problem, employment and training, basic immigration queries (OISC)
One Sheffield Many Cultures
One Sheffield Many Cultures was founded by various groups, to promote the unity of our city. Its events and publicity celebrate the contribution by people from all communities and backgrounds to Sheffield's proud tradition of opposition to racism, bigotry and prejudice.
RASAG IT Club
Sheffield Refugee Asylum Seeker Action Group IT Club offers a friendly welcome, with internet access, literacy and computer support. They also welcome help with computer skills and paired reading, and donations of money or food. Their lively blog shows some of the good work they are doing.
Sheffield Committee to Defend Asylum Seekers
A campaigning organisation opposed to the Government's treatment of asylum seekers. It supports groups, individuals and families of asylum seekers unjustly threatened with deportation. Demanding full Geneva Convention legal rights and representation, the right to work, income support, and an end to detention centres and the dispersal policy.
Sheffield No Borders
Part of a network in solidarity with refugees, migrants, asylum seekers and other groups. No Borders is committed to practical solidarity, mutual aid and direct action in the fight against dawn raids, deportations, detention, exploitation, poverty and racism, supporting individual asylum seekers and raising awareness, campaigning and lobbying on immigration issues. This network is rooted in the belief that all immigration controls are racist and divisive methods of authoritarian control, which should be opposed and ultimately abolished. Although this viewpoint often gets marginalized and drowned out by the 'common sense' and 'realist' approaches of fellow campaigners who seek to reform the systems of controls or to create 'fairer' asylum policies, No Borders values these contributions to migrant struggles, but wishes they would go further. It adds to the fight for decency by providing a space to come together with a 'no one is illegal' perspective, and campaigns to end the imposed state restrictions to freedom of movement.
Sheffield Refugee and Asylum Co-operative
Asylum seekers in Sheffield are going hungry because the government's voucher system doesn't work; unable to buy basic essentials that we all take for granted, on less than £30 per week in vouchers (less if they're under 25 years). Vouchers can only be spent on food and only in a very small number of supermarkets, plus £10 cash. Many find it difficult to stay healthy and cannot afford clothes, shoes, babies nappies, sanitary towels and many other necessities.
This disgraceful situation is an affront to people's dignity. The Sheffield Refugee & Asylum Co-operative works with local people, churches and community organisations to distribute many essential items among the asylum seekers and refugees of Sheffield.
Collection points run in Broomspring, Broomhall, Duke Street and Parkhill so far, and more are needed.
Side by Side Intercultural Drama Group
An award-winning, user-led Sheffield community drama group which aims to promote intercultural understanding, integration and cohesion between people of all social, ethnic, cultural and faith backgrounds. It uses drama as a tool for developing confidence and self-expression, building friendships and exploring themes that are important and relevant to members. No previous theatre experience or English language skills are necessary, refugees and asylum seekers are particularly welcome to join.
Email admin@sidebyside.me.uk or call 079438 12382
South Yorkshire Migration And Asylum Action Group (SYMAAG)
SYMAAG unites refugee, asylum and migrant organisations with campaign groups, trade unions, charities, political parties, faith groups and supporting individuals. It campaigns both for the rights of those seeking asylum and of those coming to work in this country.
Student Action for Refugees (STAR)
Part of a national student body that raises awareness about refugees and asylum seekers in the UK and worldwide. Organises events, raising awareness, fundraising and volunteering with asylum seekers and refugees in Sheffield.
Unite Against Fascism
Anti-BNP anti-racism group, local contact 07890 131138
World Development Movement (WDM) - Rotherham
Activist group working alongside people in the developing world to tackle the underlying real causes of world poverty, standing up to injustice, lobbying decision makers, and researching positive alternatives. This is the Rotherham group, there is also a Sheffield one (see below).
World Development Movement (WDM) - Sheffield
Activist group working alongside people in the developing world to tackle the underlying real causes of world poverty, standing up to injustice, lobbying decision makers, and researching positive alternatives. This is the Sheffield group, there is also a Rotherham one (see above).
