Since 1989, the Asylum Seekers Support Trust (ASST) has provided much-needed help to those seeking a safe and peaceful life in New Zealand.
According to Christina, Client Services Manager, ASST ensures these new arrivals are welcomed, supported and thriving.
Asylum seekers come from a wide variety of countries worldwide. Often, they arrive with few or no resources and speak little English. Getting settled in a new country and accessing the everyday essentials of housing, schools, doctors, and jobs is a massive challenge.
Thankfully, ASST makes a difference. The charitable trust does this by providing various programmes and services to help meet the needs of newly arrived asylum seekers.
ASST works throughout New Zealand, but with a head office in Blockhouse Bay, The West is a natural focus for the trust and is home to many asylum seekers.
‘In the last year alone, we have helped 1,500 people find their feet in New Zealand,’ declares Christina.
One vital programme ASST offers is helping asylum seekers put food on the table. The charity distributes around 150 food boxes every week, providing essential nourishment to 500-600 individuals and families.
Furthermore, ASST runs a programme of community events to bring people together. ‘These gatherings provide a sense of community and opportunities for clients to have new experiences across The West,’ says Christina.
Recent highlights included a trip to the movies, days out at Butterfly Creek and local Waitakere beaches, and a popular family party in Glen Eden’s Ceramco Park, plus much more. According to Christina, these events are vital for the asylum seeker community, which often misses out because of the costs, language barriers, and a lack of confidence.
As a charity, ASST depends on funders to continue delivering its vital services. And $10,000 from the 2023 Your West Support Fund was crucial. Christina says the money went towards the costs of delivering food boxes.
‘Without the Your West Support Fund, we wouldn’t have been able to continue our food programme,’ declares Christina.
In addition, it covered the costs of several community events. Christina says that these events contribute to the mental and physical wellbeing of this marginalised community.
ASST is always looking for volunteers to help with food distribution. So, if you have a few hours to spare, why not get in touch to make a massive difference in your local area?
