A refugee charity is asking for donations as they attempt to raise more awareness in the borough about challenges faced by those most vulnerable.

Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network, a charity which supports both local and international refugees is hosting ‘Action for refugees’ – a fundraising event, on September 30, at St Joseph’s Church

Throughout the event volunteers will be collecting items and money for those suffering in Syria and Iraq whilst also using the donations to support charities Samara Aid and Anaya Aid – both who work with displaced people.

Joanna Sherring, 53, helping to organise the event, said: “We really want to engage more people and get more people involved in what we do.

“The event was actually inspired by Jo Cox and the idea that we have more in common bringing people together and we just want all nationalities to get involved.”

Anyone can get involved and community groups, schools or churches can help with putting together collections of new clothing, dignity bags for girls and women, ‘smiley bags’ for children and five-kilogram food bags of rice.

“Friends and families will be putting on a Syrian cookery demonstration and there will be a talk from the charity Refugees at home,” added Ms Sherring.

“It really will be a great event for all the family as we have lots of children’s activities going on as well including cultural games.”

The refugee network was by established by residents who wanted to unite with a common goal of helping refugees in the area by providing both practical help and a supportive network.

By hosting social events and English classes the organisation hopes to be able to help integrate refugees into society and meet others who have had a similar experience.