An appeal has been launched by two local charity campaigners for supplies, clothing and equipment to help refugees this winter.

Zoe Thompson and island-based Middle East consultant Laura Cretney have launched the appeal to ask for donations of camping equipment, such as tents, sleeping bags, rucksacks and tarpaulins, blankets, men and women’s outdoor and waterproof clothing, shoes and underwear to be sent to refugees who are living in what Zoe describes as ’desperate conditions’ in temporary camps around the north of France.

They have also asked for donations of baby care items, such as nappies, clothing, feeding bottles and baby milk powder, sanitary items, such as soap, shampoo and baby wipes and also feminine hygiene items, things which she says are in very short supply to the refugees.

Zoe, who volunteers with refugee charities, runs the Facebook group Manx Support Refugees, said that the appeal has been made in support of the Women’s Refugee Centre, situated in Dunkirk, which suffered a catastrophic accident, which has put the lives of many refugees and their families at risk.

’There was a fire in the women’s centre in northern France a couple of weeks ago, and they have lost everything in there,’ said Zoe. ’They desperately need to replenish their stocks.’

Zoe said that the volunteer-run centre provides a vital service, looking after the basic needs of female refugees, offering medical help, shelter, legal help and physical and mental health and well-being.

’It is a place where women and families can go,’ she said.

’There are many people there, living around northern France. However, since the Calais camps, such as Grande Synthe, la Liniere were closed, they are now just hidden from sight now, and are living in appalling conditions.

’They dispersed all of the people there, and there was also another fire at la Liniere, which destroyed everything, and basically the people there just had to leave with whatever they could carry.

’So now people, women, children and families are living in the woods and the forests around there. It is horrific what is going on, and it is all being kept quiet.

’Volunteers are still providing food and providing mobile phone contact with their families, but with the winter coming in, they need lots of dry, warm clothing, shelter and supplies.

’They need baby milk, baby bottles, nappies, baby grows, blankets and anything they can gather, including camping gear.’

Zoe believes that the plight of the refugees still living around France is still relevant to the island, after the reaction to the question asked by Daphne Caine MHK as to whether the Isle of Man Government could reconsider its decision not to accept Syrian refugees.

’This is applicable on the island now because of Daphne Caine’s question in the House of Keys, which has caused a huge stir online.

’The plight of refugees is now pertinent again, and we can show what the island can do to help out.’

Zoe said that drop-off points have been set up at Noa Bakehouse, in Douglas, Shakti Mann in Ramsey and Mother T’s in Laxey, and they will remain open until Friday, October 12.

She said that they were also looking for volunteers to help collect the items and sort and pack them ready for distribution.

Anyone who would like to volunteer to help can contact Zoe through the Manx Support Refugees Facebook group or email [email protected]

They also thanked local firm Edward Bryan removals for their help.