There are a few short films now that lucidly tells of the urgency for action to end the destitution of people refused asylum. "Welcome" has been updated with "Take Action", and the Amnesty International produced "Still Human Still Here" have both been used across the UK. They are really excellent resources to help you convince your MP of the need for change.

So why is CAP campaigning on this issue

The Living Ghosts campaign is different to previous CAP campaigns, which have focused on UK citizens. This short history explains why CAP started to campaign to change the Government policies that make people seeking asylum destitute. More information here.

Destitute & Desperate in Newcastle
A new report on the scale and reality of the destitute refused asylum seekers in Newcastle upon Tyne has been published. More information here.

Sheffield Demonstration
Several hundred people took part in a demonstration in Sheffield in support of destitute asylum seekers during Refugee Week 2006. More details here.

Campaign pack
We have recently updated our pack with information on how you make a difference. This includes guidance on writing to your MP, the Endurance Challenge and church resources. Download it here (184k pdf).

Donate
Help us put an end to asylum destitution, by making a donation towards the campaign using our secure on-line donation facility.

Endurance Challenge
Again we are challenging people to take on the life of someone who has been refused asylum for one week as they experience poverty in the UK. For Refugee Week 2006 (19 – 25 June) we want you to live on £5 and a food parcel. We know this will be very difficult - but it will help you, your friends and anyone you tell, to know how degrading destitution is. You can download some guidelines here (184k pdf).

Sign up for Campaign Updates
If you want to be regularly updated on the progress of the campaign, and how you can help the campaign , please sign up for monthly updates here.

Church of England backs campaign
The Commission on Urban Life & Faith backed our Living Ghosts campaign in their Faithful Cities report.

Living Ghosts campaign meets Government minister
In May a small delegation met the (now former) Immigration Minister, Tony McNulty. He was clearly under a lot of pressure from other directions, but he did acknowledge our concerns.

Christians live as destitute asylum seekers for Lent
Across the country churches are taking on the life of someone who is made destitute because they are seeking asylum. For the first week of Lent (1–8 March 2006) supporters of Church Action on Poverty's Living Ghosts campaign are trying to live on £5 and a food parcel.

45 church leaders challenge government to end the destitution of asylum seekers
Church leaders from different denominations have this week shown their outrage at the government system that leaves some asylum seekers totally destitute in the UK by signing a statment in support of the campaign by Church Action on Poverty.

Pilgrimage highlights plight of destitute asylum seekers
Christians from across West Yorkshire will be having a pilgrimage through Leeds city centre on the afternoon of Saturday 4th December 2005 in solidarity with people who are seeking asylum who have been made destitute. The march is part of the “Living Ghosts” campaign to change Government policies that make those people seeking asylum destitute.

Contents of a typical food parcel
As guidance, the contents of a typical food parcel are shown here.

Judy Midgley advent diary
Diary of Judy Midgley who tried to live on £5 and a food parcel for the first week of Advent 2005. This is what someone seeking asylum who destitute who has to live on.

Datganiad am roi stop ar amddifadu ceiswyr lloches
Credwn ei fod yn greulon ac yn annerbyniol fod rhai ceiswyr lloches yn cael eu gwneud yn ddigartref neu’n amddifad gan bolisïau’r llywodraeth. Mae gan pob dinas bobl amddifaid neu rai sy’n byw ar barseli bwyd am eu bod heb fodd i fyw. Rhown ein cefnogaeth i alwad 'Church Action on Poverty' am weld newid yn y polisïau sy’n achosi i geiswyr lloches gwrthodedig fod yn amddifad.

Hints of holding a Poverty Hearing
Poverty Hearing's provide the opportunity for people with direct experience of poverty to speak out for themselves while encouraging those with power, authority and different experiences to listen. This helpful guide outlines what you need to think about if you are considering organising one. download (65k pdf)

New report shows destitute asylum seekers forced to sleep on the streets
Destitute asylum seekers in Leicester are being forced to sleep on the streets and in doorways, train stations, squats, parks, corridors and car parks, according to a 2005 report.

Asylum Destitution
New legislation is leaving many asylum seekers destitute, writes Phil Davis, who works with refugee groups in Manchester

First Living Ghosts campaign pack
download (73k pdf)