West Yorkshire Destitute Asylum Network (WYDAN)

Improving Support, Increasing Awareness

We are a network of organisations and individuals, in West Yorkshire, committed to supporting destitute* asylum seekers by:

1. Strengthening partnerships, networking and information sharing
2. Increasing public awareness of the facts surrounding asylum seeker destitution
3. Equipping concerned public to help more effectively, both personally and through existing organisations that support destitute asylum seekers

Methods

1. Organising events at which information is presented and opportunities to commit to helping are provided
2. Attending other related events to engage people about the issue of destitution. This includes engaging community groups, churches, faith groups, schools, trade unions, political parties and businesses
3. Holding WYDAN partner meetings during the year to share ideas and support, and exchange information
4. Developing a media presence (including traditional media and online) with facts and figures, a list of organisations, ways to help and advertising of upcoming events
5. Setting up new partnerships to tackle the issue of destitution and to make joint funding applications
6. Raising awareness with policy makers about the issue of destitution among asylum seekers
7. Signposting service users to appropriate services

For more information or to receive regular updates about WYDAN partner

meetings or events please e-mail contact.wydan@gmail.com.

*The definition of ‘destitute’ that we are using is: “A person who may have no recourse to public funds, who is unable to access legal employment and/or lacking the means to provide for themselves and who is either street homeless or staying with friends only temporarily.”