Fundraising for Voucher Exchange Scheme

On 25 October supporters of the Unity Centre and No Borders Scotland set off from central Glasgow on a 56 mile ‘Freedom of Movement For All’ sponsored bike ride to Edinburgh, raising funds for the float of the local Voucher Exchange Scheme.

People seeking asylum whose cases have been rejected but who are unable to return to their country of origin (due to war, no safe passage etc) have to live on a very small amount of government support
– just £35 a week.

To make matters worse, this sum is not received in cash, but in supermarket vouchers, which means people have no cash for bus fares, phone calls, & other necessities, and have no choice about where to shop.

For people stuck in limbo, living with uncertain futures and surviving on a pittance, the vouchers make life even more difficult.

The Voucher Exchange Scheme swaps the vouchers for cash, which allows people more freedom. Through the Scheme, you can swap cash for supermarket vouchers of your choice: from £5 and up, on a weekly, monthly, or occasional basis, which you can then spend in supermarkets when you do your shopping. Getting vouchers is a quick, practical way to show support and solidarity with those receiving only vouchers. It’s easy and it’s free!

If you’re interested in getting supermarket vouchers you can contact voucherexchangescotland@noflag.org.uk

No Borders Scotland www.noborderscotland.org.uk
Unity Centre http://unitycentreglasgow.org/

More info on other voucher exchange schemes http://voucherexchange.wordpress.com/
http://groupspaces.com/bristolstar/item/19546
http://www.church-poverty.org.uk/campaigns/livingghosts/exchangescheme.pdf/view