Message from the Chairman in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Hello Everyone,

• Regrettably the Drop-in is closed for the foreseeable future but Friends Without Borders remains concerned for asylum seekers and refugees in Portsmouth. We have identified 27 people who are dependent on our support and I'm very pleased to report that we're making good progress with keeping up their payments now we cannot meet face to face. Everybody is paid up to date and we're confident that we can go on paying allowances during this crisis. 
• We are working on a scheme to link a number of our volunteers to vulnerable asylum seekers so they can help with advice over the phone.
• Access to Justice is currently closed for new cases but existing cases are being dealt with.
• We've contacted the Food Bank to try and arrange for our existing clients to access food without a referral. Watch this page for updates.
• Please keep watching this website for fresh information. In case of need it is suggested to phone our office 023 9283 9222 and leave a message. These are picked up quickly and someone will phone back. You can also continue to contact us by email.
• There is reassuring information about testing and treatment for asylum seekers who think they may have caught the virus - there are NO immigration checks and TREATMENT IS FREE - see here
• The Red Cross office is closed. Clients can ring 07872 839889 or email portsmouthreferrals@redcross.org.uk

We hope everyone, whether client or volunteer, stays well and keeps safe!

Very best wishes

Michael