Essential Toiletries for Asylum Seekers

At a support drop in on 3rd May, Swansea Asylum Seekers Support (SASS) distributed essential toiletries to 53 individuals and families, each receiving at least three items. This means a minimum of 159 items were distributed in a single day. SASS need to provide these crucial supplies at least twice a month and to more recipients. We ran out of essential items on 3rd May, highlighting the urgent need for more support.

Our most needed items include:

• Shampoo
• Shower gel
• Soap
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Shaving foam/gel
• Washing up liquid
• Laundry soap

We are incredibly grateful to Cwtch Mawr and their donors for their contributions of toilet rolls and toothpaste, which were distributed to those in need.

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The situation for asylum seekers is dire, as highlighted by the latest report from Asylum Matters, published in December 2023. Titled ‘Surviving in Poverty: A report documenting life on asylum support,’ the report paints a grim picture of the struggles faced by those seeking asylum. Here are some key findings from the report:

• 91% don’t always have enough money to buy food
• 75% can’t always afford the medicines they need
• 85% struggle to afford the cleaning products they need
• 97% experience difficulties affording the clothes they need
• 65% face challenges affording the toiletries they need
• 95% can’t always afford to travel where they need to by public transport
• 88% don’t always have the data and phone credit they need
• 83% say asylum support payments aren’t enough to cover the rise in the cost of living

These statistics reveal the devastating impact of living on asylum support, exacerbated by the rising cost of living. Asylum seekers are deprived of the right to work and face tough decisions on whether they can afford basic essentials.

One survey respondent shared, “My weekly allowance is barely enough to get me food for the week, so when it is time to buy toiletries, my food reduces”. Another said, “Staying in a period of five years in that condition creates a huge impact on your mental and emotional health. You see yourself as a parasite and a prisoner”.

We aim to ease this burden by ensuring that everyone has access to the toiletries and cleaning products they need. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of many, providing them with dignity and improving their quality of life.

Please join us in this vital cause. Your donation, no matter how small, will help us continue to distribute essential items to those in need. Together, we can make a real difference. 

Thank you for your generosity.

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Keep up to date with Swansea Asylum Seekers Support:

Facebook: @SASSCommunity
Twitter/X: @SASS_Community
Website: sass.wales