Diaconie collecte in juli – SDCAS
The Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers (SDCAS) was set up in 1997 as a warm space for asylum seekers from the local area to have a hot meal and to socialise. Initially the support was very basic, it was just a space to meet people and to practise speaking English. Over the years many services were added, such as English classes, gardening, welfare and immigration advice, art groups, discussion groups, health advocacy and various workshops. At the moment we are running 3 Day Centres, three days per week, and we see an average of 60/70 people every day. Many come for advice but most still come to meet people and find a way out of their isolation. Most of our clients are from Afghanistan, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Iraq and Ethiopia.
Most of the people attending our Day Centre live in local hostels or in Home Office accommodation. Many only receive £8 per week, so our donations of sim cards, clothing and food are very important. For many people the Day Centre is the only space where they can walk in and just be listened to and have a bit of reprieve from their daily struggles within the asylum system. We have a team of around 90 volunteers who are extremely dedicated. Many of our clients suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and find it helpful joining some of our groups such as gardening. We also see many victims of torture who need referrals for specialist counselling. There is a team of nurses who help with making those referrals.
I have been working at the Day Centre since the beginning in 1997 and I would like to thank the Dutch Church for the continuing support which started with Tony Bienfait who often visited our Centres. We are always looking for support with essential items or general hardship funds for oyster cards and if anyone is interested in visiting – all are welcome.
Bettina Dreier for SDCAS
De diaconie beveelt de collecte voor SDCAS van harte bij u aan!
Meer informatie: www.sdcas.org.uk