Asylum seekers being subjected to dangerous and life threatening housing conditions by The Mears Group

22 June 2021: Chronicle Live: Refugees living in fear over the state of their Newcastle home speak out

The three asylum seekers have raised their concerns over what has been described as the dilapidated and dangerous state of their home in Newcastle. Asylum seekers in Newcastle have spoken out about what they describe as the dilapidated and potentially dangerous conditions they are living in.

They live in Benwell Grove, Fenham, in housing provided by the Mears Group which has a £1bn Government contract to provide accommodation and support for asylum seekers.

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Robina Qureshi, director of Positive Action in Housing, wrote: “This young man, along with two other asylum seekers, is being subjected to dangerous and life threatening housing conditions by The Mears Group, asylum housing contractor who began major electrical rewiring and repairs without any notice while the three asylum seekers are living there.

“Mr Hamid is trying to better himself by studying at university, despite the fact that he has experienced terrible suffering in his own life, and is a proven victim of modern slavery and trafficking.

“He has severe PTSD and suffers flashbacks. He is a loving father. He has won awards for volunteering in his community. He has been nominated for an Amnesty Bravery Award. He would be a model citizen. He is frightened but now speaking out on his own behalf and on behalf of his flatmates and all asylum seekers who are suffering like this.”

Read more here: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/newcastle-refugees-housing-asylum-seekers-20864426.amp