Covid-19 has brought challenges to all of us in the community. Whilst at the Streatham Drop In Centre for Asylum Seekers and Refugees we were able to move quickly to deliver many of our services remotely, in the absence of being able to meet face to face, sadly we were unable to deliver our normal programme of activities for children over the summer. 

Lack of play and communication, known as "under-stimulation", can have long-term negative consequences on a child's learning and physical and mental health. Many of these children come from families living in destitution with No Recourse to Public Funds, that can’t afford proper clothing let alone toys and books. 

In response, we set up a fundraiser with the aim of raising £35 for each of the 150 children we support. 

Brian McCarthy, Centre Coordinator, said: “We were overwhelmed by the response from our supporters. Thanks to their generosity, and additional match funding from Lambeth Council, we were not only able to meet our initial target, but also our stretch target of £7000. We know it is a difficult time for many, and we are really grateful to everyone that has supported this campaign, either by sharing the link or donating directly. 

“The initial fundraising amount of £5,250 will be spent on toys, games and books for the children of each of the families we support, and the additional £1,805 will go directly towards funding the Centre’s activities, services and responding to COVID-19. At the Centre, we continue to provide services to our users remotely, and are looking now at ensuring we have the right plans in place to be able to open physically again, when it is safe to do so.”