Awards for Destitute Asylum Seekers

13 Nov 2020

Although it’s impossible to know the exact number, NICRAS reports Northern Ireland to have around 50 individuals at any one time who are destitute because of their asylum status. This means that they have no adequate accommodation, are unable to meet their other essential living needs, and have no means to do so. They can end up in extremely vulnerable situations with no support.

Despite their own difficult circumstances, some of these destitute asylum seekers are actively engaged in supporting others in many ways, including by giving other asylum seekers assistance, mobilising and lobbying for change, providing interpreting/translation for peers, providing care to other vulnerable persons.

The Community Foundation is aware of the compassion, public spirit, selflessness, generosity and leadership, that these individuals are representing. Each year to acknowledge and celebrate this act of kindness we open our Awards for Destitute Asylum Seekers, up to £500 is available to support these individuals with essential living items such as clothes. 

 “The grant made my future possible”.

“The grant is about how much my life has changed and how positive I feel towards the future. This has been made possible through the kindness of the Community Foundation and I hope to achieve great things because of this.” 

“ Today my yesterday dream is my present. I am preparing myself to contribute to Northern Ireland’s continually growing economy.” 

You can find more information about this fund here. Closing date 30th November 2020.