IMAGES of the despair faced by refugees in the Middle East and Europe have moved many people in South East Cornwall to take urgent action.

Groups have come together online and in person, with the aim of getting help to where it is most needed.

In Liskeard, knitting group 3 Bags Full wants to provide warm clothing to those still living in Syria.

Spokesperson Rachel Brooks said: ‘We’re aware that most of the people affected are either still in Syria or in the surrounding countries. We’ve been in touch with a well-established charity, Hand In Hand for Syria. It is one of the few agencies which can get aid inside the country for all those in need, including internal refugees. They are calling for handmade woollen items.’

The charity says that displaced people, the elderly, and children are particularly vulnerable to the extreme cold of the coming Syrian winter, and that hypothermia is a killer. Those who have had to leave their homes may be living in abandoned buildings, tents or caves. With the number of premature births having rocketed, tiny woollen items for premature babies are especially vital, as well as knitted or crocheted blankets.

The 3 Bags Full group plans to send its first parcel to Syria next month, and is asking people to drop off hand-knitted or hand-crocheted items to the Liskerrett Centre by October 9. Donations of Superwash wool or acrylic/wool yarn are also welcomed to help the group make more items.

‘If other people would like to join us, and need a hand in getting started, or if your knitting skills are a bit rusty, come to Stuart House from 10.30am on Thursdays,’ said Rachel.

Those wishing to donate other items can visit St James’ Church in Torpoint from next week onwards (see dates and list right). It’s important that only the specifically mentioned items are dropped off – and that these are clean, and bagged and labelled if possible, said a spokesperson.

Cornish-based charity ShelterBox currently has a team working on the Greek island of Lesbos, where around 25,000 people have been stranded. Refugees have been waiting for the chance to register and travel onto the mainland in overcrowded camps where there is little escape from the baking heat of the sun.

Frustration

ShelterBox reported that it had to suspend work this week amid the growing unrest at the Kara Tere camp. Originally intended to accommodate hundreds, this area has become a temporary home for thousands, with many families finding that they have to wait for more than a fortnight to move on. Response team volunteer Jack Bailey said: ‘The security situation meant we had to suspend work, and it is frustrating not to be able to help these desperate families.

‘Small, but mostly peaceful protests have broken out, borne out of frustration at the lack of reliable information about the registration process, and where to buy ferry tickets.’

It is hoped that the situation on the island may ease in coming days, says ShelterBox, as a new processing centre is set up and more Greek coastguard officials and police have been seconded to assist with registrations.

In the UK, Prime Minister David Cameron has announced that 20,000 refugees will be allowed to come to Britain over the next five years, but there have been calls to allow this number of people to come into the country straight away.

A local petition on the campaigning platform 38 Degrees is asking Liskeard Town Council to accept 20 refugee families. One of those signing the petition said: ‘I can remember Liskeard offering a welcome to Ugandan Asians in the 1970s.

‘It is a caring town and there are empty properties which could be used to house families who have nothing.’

Ways you can help the refugees

A refugee aid collection will take place in Torpoint on the following dates at St James’ Church: Monday, September 14-Saturday, September 19, 9.30am-11.30am, and Monday, September 21-Friday, September 25, 9.30am-11.30am.

It is important that those wishing to donate check the list below and only take items which are needed – items should be clean, bagged and labelled if possible.

Aid will be taken to a local collection hub for transportation and distribution.

Financial donations will be given to the Tearfund Refugee Crisis Fund.

Badly needed items: trainers or hiking shoes (sizes 41-43); tents (even incomplete), covers and tarpaulin; jackets (small and medium sized); travelling bags; socks; candles or other lighting implements; and belts.

Always needed are: tracksuit trousers; jeans (sizes 28-32); blankets; sleeping bags; toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes); plastic bags; woolly hats; pants; and pots and pans.

Not needed at present: women’s and children’s clothing or shoes; sheets and pillows; suits; town shoes; jumpers; and Wellington boots.