ASSIST supports destitute asylum seekers with practical help and works to highlight the problems caused by present Government policy and the deficiencies in its enactment in practice.

A significant part of our fundraising work is attending church services where asylum seekers present their stories. The emotional impact of these stories provides the impetus for people to give money, offer their time, and to spread the information amongst their friends. In our first year, we made 30 presentations and raised several tens of thousands of pounds. We encourage our supporters to commit to regular giving because this is worth more to us than a one-off donation.

Other DIY fundraising activities include putting on events where asylum seekers, who are prevented from working, volunteer their time to provide entertainment and /or cook food. We also have stalls at summer festivals with games related to the asylum situation, street collections, demonstrations, sponsored fasting, sponsored sleepouts (to highlight lack of accommodation), and sell cards using asylum seekers' art work. Grant applications for the welfare payments we make to asylum seekers have only been successful for relatively small amounts to date, but we have been successful with significant grant applications for administration, rent of premises, and office equipment.
All our fundraising not only raises money, but also awareness of the cause.

Case Study provided by the South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau (SYFAB) and Asylum Seeker Support Initiative - Short Term (ASSIST).