Humans of Glasgow: Online pack to help destitute asylum seekers

A human rights charity has launched a digital support pack to help destitute asylum seekers in Glasgow.

Positive Action in Housing’s online resource will help refugees and migrants to rebuild their lives and become more autonomous from charitable support.

The charity believes that by helping people to sort their asylum claim quickly, they will then be able to get a job or begin education and start to contribute to Scotland’s society by paying taxes.

Through the digital pack, called Humans of Glasgow, asylum seekers will have direct access to advice and information.

As well as a survival kit with tips for those being moved into new accommodation, there are also directories for interpreters and lawyers, and how to register with a doctor.

For those looking to help, there’s a section on how you can donate laptops, mobile phones and road-worthy bikes, as well as toiletries and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Most importantly, there is an interactive map on where those in need can access free food parcels and meals.

Amy Rewcastle at Handheld Community helped to build the online pack.

Morgan Woods, emergency relief coordinator at Positive Action in Housing, described it as an “emergency relief response”.

She added: “UK asylum and immigration policies are deliberately making things tough for refugees and migrants.

“They call it the hostile environment. We say no and believe that by helping people become as independent and informed as possible, they will be able to sort their asylum claim quickly, get a job or education and start contributing to our society by paying taxes.

“Through providing access to information, travel, warm clothes and communication via laptops and phones, we aim to support people so that they can get independent, stay healthy, warm, nourished, informed, and ultimately get their status and be more autonomous from charitable support.”