Set up in direct response to concerns voiced by local refugees and asylum seekers, drop-in sessions will offer practical support to new arrivals who find themselves alone and isolated in Leicester, as a result of the Government's programme to disperse asylum seekers away from London and the South-east. Organised by a new group, Leicester Civil Rights Movement, the sessions will rely on local people with legal, welfare-rights, medical and teaching skills giving their time and expertise.

Priya Thamotheram of Highfields Youth and Community Centre urges everyone who can to get involved. 'This is about practical support here and now for asylum seekers. With only £10 a week to spend on essentials, asylum seekers are finding themselves without even the bare necessities, such as underwear and toiletries. With winter just around the corner, we are asking for donations of warm clothing. The Government has promised a full review of the inhumane and stigmatising system of vouchers for asylum seekers, but in the meantime, many are living in poverty.'

Leicester Civil Rights Movement has grown out of the strong local support which welcomed the National Civil Rights Caravan to Leicester last month. Drawing attention to the plight of asylum seekers in the city, and the steep increase in the number of racist attacks in Leicestershire over recent months, a public meeting attended by over 200 people, looked at practical ways of encouraging local and national campaigns for equal rights for asylum seekers and refugees,and the right for all to live safe from racist attacks. A national demonstration will be held in London on Saturday 14 October to raise public awareness of these issues, and transport has been organised from Leicester.

For more information on the drop-in sessions and transport details for the London demonstration, please contact Priya on 0116 253 1053.