Migrant charity makes plea amid funding concerns

Kay Marsh says some staff are volunteering hours to help keep the charity going

A migrant charity has warned it is in danger of running out of funds and is closing its offices in a bid to save money.

The concerns raised by Kent-based Samphire come in the same week that three people drowned in the English Channel.

Kay Marsh, the charity's community, media and advocacy manager, told BBC Radio Kent: "If the funding situation continues, unfortunately there is a chance that the charity will have to close at some point."

The charity, which Ms Marsh said supports "anybody who comes to the UK from somewhere else", plans to be fully remote by the end of 2024.

At least 56 people have died in 2024 trying to cross the Channel

She explained that the charity mainly relies on grants, but some of its larger funders have "closed their doors".

“The money’s just not there. People are struggle all over and the charity sector is no different.

"There's less money available and there's more social causes and charities that need to go after it."

More than 28,000 people are known to have illegally crossed the English Channel so far in 2024 - and at least 56 people have died trying this year.

Ms Marsh said staff were doing "everything" to make sure the charity could stay open as long as possible to support people in need, including dropping hours and working extra for free.

"We're doing everything we can to make sure that this doesn't have an impact on our clients," she said.

"But if the funding doesn’t come in that may not be the case for very long.”