A REFUGEE support group in Huddersfield has issued a plea for help after hitting a desperate cash crisis.

Workers at Kirklees Refugees and Friends Together (Kraft) say they are having to turn needy families away because they do not have enough money to help them.

Kraft, based in Belmont Street at Highfields, operates a hardship fund to give immediate aid to families who are waiting for help from the Home Office.

The fund usually contains several thousand pounds in cash given by local community groups.

It is used to provide food for refugees, plus cash for essential household items, medicines and necessary travel.

But now, there is just over £20 in the fund and the food cupboards at Kraft's headquarters are bare.

Director Pam Bye said: "People are coming on a daily basis and we are having to turn them away because we have nothing to give.

"It is very tough. A lot of our clients are in desperate situations.

"We have a lot of new arrivals who are not receiving support because their cases are still in the system. In some cases they are starving."

Pam said money from the hardship fund had had to be used for running costs - such as phone bills or rent - because the grants which usually covered these expenses had fallen.

She said the number of people drawing help from the hardship fund had risen.

Up to 70 people a day arrive at Kraft, needing food, money or help in communicating with the Home Office and solicitors.

Pam said: "There has been an increase in the number of people coming to us.

"The refugee group in North Kirklees now only runs two days a week, so we are getting people from there, too.

"We used to have lots of funding because it was popular for people to put money into causes for asylum seekers and refugees.

"But now because of all the stigma against them it is very difficult to get money."

Pam -who founded Kraft five years ago - said cash had been a problem since February, when services and staff had to be cut.

Staff expected a 90-day gap between their existing cash running out and new grants being given.

However, bids for grants from organisations including the Big Lottery Fund have failed.

Kraft is now surviving on its money from the Joseph Rowntree Trust, the Tudor Trust, the Children In Need charity and Kirklees Council.

Pam said: "We do get support, but it isn't enough. Our overheads are massive."

She said there were now just two paid case workers at Kraft and 24 volunteers.

She herself has had to work on a voluntary basis after cash for her post was cut in April.

Pam said that if Kraft had to close it would cause huge problems in Kirklees.

She added: "We do not intend to close. But if we did there would be a big knock- on effect across Kirklees.

"We do a lot to promote racial harmony. We have clients from 50 countries and we help them integrate and smooth over problems.

"Refugees give a lot back into the community. It is not all just take."

She is appealing for any businesses or organisations to come forward if they can sponsor a Kraft caseworker.

She is also appealing for any gifts or food or money for the hardship fund.

If you can help, phone Kraft on 01484 353489.