Amy began by handing out warm and waterproof clothing and baby food in Greece to people making long and dangerous journeys to reach safety in Europe. She soon found out that many people on these journeys are ill-informed about their rights and the risks and dangers they might be facing ahead. We think there is a huge need for information which could make people safer on their journeys and Amy is going to do just that.
She needs a mobile unit which is equipped to provide and gather information as well as allowing use of communication facilities. She is fitting a decent van with Wifi, printing, outside seating, tea-making, space for donations, and bringing legal and community information to hotspots in Greece, Turkey and along the Balkan route where people are vulnerable to smugglers and exploitation. Amy is currently searching for the first vehicle which she is taking to Greece and Turkey as soon as it can be fitted and rolling. We've budgeted everything out and the cost per unit and for three months is around £6,500, we hope to raise contributions through crowdfunding.
Amy and other volunteers in the project will distribute info and also gather stories from people in order to raise awareness of their situations.
Other volunteers, like Amy, who want to get involved are experienced in travelling and living off grid, from the festival circuit or travelling community, with practical skills and experience in challenging situations.
The money raised will support the costs of paying for the vehicle, the batteries for power, fuel for generator, supplies for printing, Wifi and phone credit to connect people with information, tea, soup and practical donations of small amounts of medicine and clothing where possible, travelling to hotspots where support is needed.
Amy has already put in all her time and a lot of her personal resources and money. We need to help her with this latest initiative, she has made so many good and reliable contacts for information and support so far and we can build on this very effectively. We have a refugee lawyer who is going to work with us on the rights information. We really believe this project can save lives and make people safer.
