Asylum seekers having to rely on charity for basic needs

Thousands of refugees and asylum-seekers, including many in the Midlands are being left destitute in Britain, according to a leading charity.

The British Red Cross said it came to the aid of 14,909 people, includingdependents, without adequate access to food, housing or healthcare across the UK last year.

The charity added that the majority of destitute refugees and asylum seekers were found most frequently in Leicester, London and Cardiff.

According to new figures there has been a 10 percent increase in men, women and children who are in need of help who have come to the UK from countries including Sudan, Syria and Eritrea.The ages of those receiving assistance are between 1 and 92.

Mike Adamson, chief executive of the British RedCross, said:

The Red Cross said that at least a fifth (21%) of those seen had refugee status,while 46% were asylum-seekers awaiting a decision on their initial application to remain in the UK.Mr Adamson said:

A child refugee in the Calais 'Jungle' camp ahead of its demolition last year. Credit: ITV News.

The Home Office said it supports asylum-seekers who would otherwise bedestitute.A spokesman for the department added: