CAMPAIGNERS are fighting the corner for refugees and asylum seekers at risk of being forgotten in the coronavirus pandemic.
The virus has presented a number of issues for those seeking refuge in Bradford, from money troubles to loneliness to access to the NHS if they are infected.
A high court hearing is set to be brought on May 6 looking at migrants who are risk of becoming destitute because they cannot access public funds due to their visa.
Just last week Shadim Hussain, a board member at Bradford Foundation Trust, explained asylum seekers, if eligible for benefits, must wait six weeks before money starts to come in. For some, that could be six weeks too long.
Read more: How Bradford leaders will feed those in need and where to get help
"All asylum seekers group have closed due to coronavirus, letting people go fend for themselves and no contingency plans for those people who can't stockpile" says Vie Clerc, who helps EU citizens secure their right to stay in the UK post Brexit for charity Settled.
"I don't think they'd be the first community people would think about. At the moment we're trying to find out whether the group's to have access to the NHS. Would they actually be seen? If they are seen, are they going to be covered?
"We don't even know if the government are thinking about these people but I think it needs to be.
"It's an extreme circumstance. It's in everybody's interest to help these people."
In a bid to take pressure off some of those in Bradford seeking asylum, Vie is hoping to raise £100 for each person who attends Equity Rainbow.
It's a group run by Shingai Mabhumbo looking after LGBT asylum seekers in particular and has 17 asylum seekers and one vulnerable migrant.
Some members are as young as 15 years old.
The money will be used for toiletries, toilet paper and food essentials to help them through the financially difficult months ahead.
£770 has been raised since the GoFundMe page was set up at the end of March.
Vie explained: "They have £35 a week. That's if they are on the system. Some do not work or eligible to receive benefits.
"It might be really difficult so that's where the fundraising came from.
"We don't know how long they may not be getting any social support. Maybe it'll be something to give them so they can manage for a bit."
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