Following our initial round of clothing collections for Refugee Week at the Kent, we were able to donate eight large bags of much-needed men’s clothing to the Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group (GDWG). These clothes have gone on to make a difference in the lives of detainees who have experienced hardships on their journey to safety.
Anna Pincus from GDWG highlighted the significance of providing good-quality second-hand clothes, stating:
“People are frequently detained in only the clothes they are wearing and do not have a second set of clothes. Sometimes people arrive in detention in clothes that are not dry after having crossed the channel. People may face deportation in clothes that are inappropriate for where they are being sent to. Providing good quality second-hand clothes meets practical needs and also counters dehumanisation and gives people basic dignity.”
The impact of your support can be seen through the words of those who have directly benefited from your donations. Mohammed said:
“I needed clothes and had only flip flops when I left detention. Thanks to GDWG for clothes I could not buy for myself. We are not allowed to work after detention but we need shoes and clothes.”
Ali said:
“When you have nothing, any clothes are a big gift. Thank you for helping us.”
There are still many more in need, and if you have not yet donated there is still time to make a difference.
Keep the Donations Coming
If you have any of the following clean items to spare, please consider contributing clothing:
- Men’s trainers, especially sizes 8 and 9.
- Men’s jogging bottoms.
- Men’s jeans.
- Men’s t-shirts.
- Men’s jumpers.
Your donations can be placed in collection bins located at various spots around campus.
The Power of the Refugee Tales Trail Walk
In addition to clothing donations, we want to remind you of another impactful way you can make a difference, by learning more about the stories of refugees and asylum seekers on our Refugee Tales trail walk. On the trail you can read or listen to the real-life stories of individuals who have experienced the UK’s immigration system, offering a powerful opportunity to engage with their narratives.
The trail was launched for Refugee Week back in June, but remains in place on campus.
For more information on the trail and how you can get involved, please visit the Refugee Week webpage.
Sanctuary fund
We at the University of Kent believe that everyone should have the opportunity to study at a university irrespective of their background. We are proud that our campus is a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone.
In committing to become a University of Sanctuary in 2019, we set up Sanctuary scholarships to give three refugees and asylum seekers every year the opportunity to receive a University of Kent education. The scholarships cover a full fee waiver for an undergraduate programme as well as small maintenance grants.