Having a clear out? Make a difference and donate clothing for refugees and asylum seekers

Clothes in paper back on pink background with Kent and Kent Union logos

As part of the University of Kent’s activities for Refugee Week, we’re collecting clean men’s clothes & shoes for detained migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. The clothes you donate will be passed onto volunteers at the Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group (GDWG) to distribute to people who are in need of these items.

Items we need:

  • men’s trainers (especially sizes 8 and 9)
  • men’s jogging bottoms
  • men’s jeans
  • men’s t-shirts
  • men’s jumpers

If you have women’s clothing or other good quality clothes/ shoes to donate, please use the red British Heart Foundation clothing bins around campus instead.

Where to donate

You can place these (clean) items in a collection bin in one of the following locations, next to the large wooden collection crates which are used for Kent Union’s Campus Pantry food (dried and tinned goods) donations as well as Freecycle items such as kitchen utensils, pans, etc.

Donate now at:

  • Mandela Reception
  • Keynes Atrium
  • Co-op at the Plaza
  • Co-op at Parkwood
  • Drill Hall Library entrance (Medway campus)
  • Gulbenkian Arts Centre foyer (near box office)
  • Nexus help point in Templeman Library

Clothing donation collection point at Drill Hall library entrance

Find out more about the experience of refugees in the UK – walk the Refugee Tales Trail

As part of the University of Kent’s extensive Refugee Week program, one event that stands out is the Refugee Tales trail walk, taking place on Wednesday, June 21. This captivating trail, inspired by the testimonies of individuals who have experienced the UK’s immigration system, offers a unique opportunity for the community to walk, listen, and engage with powerful stories. Following the trail not only raises awareness about the realities faced by refugees but also supports the mission of promoting empathy, compassion, and solidarity.

Not around on 21st June? You can follow the trail in your own time until 31 August by picking up a map from the Gulbenkian Arts Centre box office, or downloading a copy from the Refugee Week webpage. Getting Involved and Supporting Refugee Week

As we approach Refugee Week 2023, the University of Kent proudly celebrates the transformative power of creativity, expression, learning and collaboration of so many related projects we support throughout the year.

Together, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive world where the voices and stories of refugees are heard, valued, and celebrated.

Find out more about Refugee Week at the University of Kent.