THE situation across Europe is ‘still desperate’, according to one Mobile Refugee Support volunteer from Launceston.

Robert Butler made the trip out to France just before Christmas, and says that the recent crossings into Europe have shown just how desperate the situation is in countries across the world, which are suffering from catastrophic conflict.

Robert and a team from charity Mobile Refugee Support made the trip to France, with help from local individuals and businesses being ‘incredible’.

He said: “North Cornwall Book Club donated £234 towards the costs of the trip. Our very generous retired vicar Ken Wakefield contributed £200 in euros as well. We had an incredible van of aid gathered from across Cornwall. Wadebridge Cornish Refugee Aid Project based at the Royal Cornwall Showground has got boxes of winter clothing boxed into the correct sizes for instant distribution on the ground, saving ourselves at Mobile Refugee Support so much time and effort — incredible teamwork between organisations to do this.

“A lot of aid arriving in France needs to be sorted so this partnership allows Mobile Refugee Support more time to help others. One and All Aid, based in Penzance, contributed loads of torches and batteries, which were distributed straight away.”

Robert believes the personal connection between organisations and people, both locally and through social media, seeing their aid going straight to the most vulnerable, makes a ‘huge difference’.

“They know their donation is going to those is desperate need,” he continued. “And the need is still desperate. There are some desperate people who have genuine reasons for coming to the UK — an ability to speak English or a family tie.”

Robert said he met a journalist from Iran, who spoke fluent English and had spoken out against the regime and human rights abuses, which are suggested to occur in some countries.

“Because of this, he had to leave the country (Iran) because his life and that of his family was in danger,” Robert said. “He decided on the UK because he spoke the language.

“Not only that, but both his children spoke English fluently and his wife could get by. He reasoned that it would be easier for him to gain employment, and for the children to settle in school.

“Yes, he did come through a number of safe countries to get to France, but there was genuine reasons behind this decision. For me personally, if you have to leave your country because of a threat to your life you should be free to choose where you wish to go to rebuild your life.”

The situation in France is still the same, according to Robert, but he said more needs to be done.

“The one positive is they are putting families in shelters, but unfortunately there are not enough shelters so a number are still living in tents, in woods and under bridges,” he said.

“These recent crossings are a major concern because of the danger to life. Unfortunately these people are desperate and have faced serious human rights abuses in Europe, especially in France. The percentage trying to get to the UK is tiny. The container that was sent via Open Hearts Open Borders to Attika on Lesvos at the start of December arrived on New Year’s Eve. There are plenty of donations from North Cornwall and across the South West going to help a huge number of people in 2019.”

Mobile Refugee Support is currently planning their next trip to deliver aid. Since summer 2017, about 60% of Mobile Refugee Support’s aid has come from Cornwall and the South West.

Launceston Refugee Support Group collect donations to be delivered to refugees in Europe every week. The drop-off point for donated items is every Tuesday at the Central Methodist Church from 10am until 12pm.

For those who cannot make this collection time, they can contact Robert on 07812 585 002 to arrange a time and place.

Visit lrsg.org.uk for further information.