A CHARITY worker from Launceston has described a recent trip to France as ‘emotionally draining’, after seeing the poor living conditions of refugees.

Rob Butler has been spending the last few years visiting France to help with refugee charity, Refugee Mobile Support.

With the conflict in Syria not letting up, families from war-torn countries across the world are travelling on dangerous, unstable vessels to seek refuge in Europe. Northern France is one part of Europe that is now notorious for its poor treatment of and provision for refugees, meaning charity groups and organisations such as Refugee Mobile Support are taking regular trips to provide donations of clothing, food and equipment to those who need it.

Rob recently spent five days in France, and since returning to Launceston has told the Post that there were ‘some real heartbreaking scenes unfolding over in Dunkirk’.

He said: “What an incredibly difficult and emotionally draining trip to France, and it was only a long weekend — Friday to Tuesday morning. The amount of families and children struggling to survive in the woods — it’s the most children I have seen in two years.”

Rob said that the main reasons for many refugees fleeing their own countries to come to the UK include family ties; speaking English well, which makes a huge difference when trying to resettle in a totally different country; and some have helped British and American military personnel in Iraq and Syria, ‘leaving them no choice’.

“To stay would lead to torture and death,” Rob claimed.

Rob alleged that some authorities attempted to stop the charity workers from entering the site, making their work even more difficult.

There were also some positives to take out of the trip. “On the plus side is the incredible work being done by Mobile Refugee Support and the other organisations they work with every day in Dunkirk, RCK being one. These organisations are there every day come rain or shine — they are there in solidarity with their fellow humans.

“These guys are providing everything to these people under the most intense pressure from the authorities who should be providing them with every thing they need to put their shattered lives back together.

“I can’t emphasise enough how much of a difference everyone’s financial and aid donations make — from tents for families to sleep in, sleeping bags and blankets to keep warm at night; food to fend off hunger, phones that allow families to stay connected — it makes a huge difference.

“Not only that, but in France it gives Charlie and the team a massive lift to know that people are behind them and support them in their work when they see the van turn up full of aid — cash raised for them in tins ready to be spent on humanitarian aid.”

Rob added: “Thanks to everyone who donated for this trip — a quick rest, then Boardmasters to finalise, then we are looking at a van in early September and a van in November.”