Seventy asylum seekers from Portsmouth enjoyed a visit to Chichester during the Easter holidays on a day trip organised by the charity Friends Without Borders, and supported by Chichester Quakers, Stagecoach buses and the Cathedral.
The visitors came by bus courtesy of Stagecoach and were firstly taken on a short guided tour through the Bishop’s Garden and the Cathedral Close to North Street and the Quaker Meeting House, where lunch was provided.
Children took part in face painting and Easter egg hunts, before an afternoon which included the options of a football match, play in Priory Park, or a visit to the Cathedral to take part in a special trail and brass rubbing. Chair of Friends without Borders, Michael Woolley, commented “It was a very happy day – we would like to thank everyone who contributed in order to make it possible. A number of our guests thanked me warmly for the day and it was enjoyed by all.”
Up to 200 asylum seekers are located in Portsmouth while their applications are being decided by the Home Office. They are not allowed to work but are given very basic accommodation and a small allowance of £37 a week. Friends Without Borders provides support for them with a drop-in coffee shop and advice service in the city.