Calais camp update

From: Phil Kerton / Ben Bano - 'Seeking Sanctuary' <migrantsupport@aol.com>
Date: 11 June 2016 at 23:03:21 BST
To: Undisclosed recipients:;
Subject: June update

Observations from several visits to Calais over the past 20 days have now been added to our website, including a number of new photographs help to convey the permanent changes that have taken place during 2016.  But some things do not change: major aid agencies remain absent (apart from MSF), there is insufficient support from governments, and the work of volunteers is essential in soliciting and distributing aid from a generous public.

The population of the Calais camp has again risen beyond 5000 and grows at the rate of some 30 new souls daily. Please do visit www.seekingsanctuary.weebly.com  to read fascinating and inspiring reports including those of Sarah Horton with BBC Local Radio on May 23 (resulting in broadcast items which are referenced immediately below this news item); Father Dominic Howarth, also on 23 May; and a group from Bangor, in the diocese of St Asaph in North Wales, who feel a particular bond of solidarity with the migrants in Northern France.

In addition to the above news updates, a number of new prayers have been added to our sister site, www.prayersformigrants.weebly.com

In peace,

Ben + Phil.

(Many have asked after Ben's health. The above report correctly implies that his leg is very much recovered from the complex break suffered in September 2015 and the consequent repairs to bones and flesh. His consultant released him to the care of his GP a couple of weeks ago, with the repair wounds almost healed following their most recent treatment with honey. There is still a need for attention, for care and for physiotherapy, but he is very much up and about and active on many projects.) 

About 'Seeking Sanctuary'. There are currently still over 5000 migrants in and around Calais (March 2016) and many more near Dunkirk .  'Seeking Sanctuary' aims to raise awareness about this situation and is organising basic humanitarian assistance  through Faith Communities and Community Organisations in partnership with experienced aid agencies.

For further information on how you or your organisation can help,  contact Ben Bano on 07887 651117 or Phil Kerton on 01474 873802.  To check the latest news, visit our website on www.seekingsanctuary.weebly.com.