North East refugee group asks for spare rooms
Action Foundation need people to volunteer their spare rooms for refugees to stay in, while they seek asylum
A North East charity that works with refugees is calling on people to offer their spare rooms to asylum seekers, while they go through the asylum process.
Action Foundation say that asylum seekers need this kind of scheme because they don't have any access to financial support, and aren't allowed to work - while they're application is being heard.
Since its launch in November 2016, the Action Hosting scheme has hosted over 1,500 nights for those in need - giving destitute people a safe and warm place to stay.
The charity encourages those with a spare room to welcome a homeless guest into their home and provides training and support to do so. 
Chief Executive, Julian Prior, said:
"Although there are many people we know aren't keen on immigrants, there are just equal, and many more, people who are very welcoming - very concerned about some of the issues.
"It's getting harder and harder to get asylum here - but people aren't being removed, so there's this horrendous limbo."
Terry Lloyd and his wife Jayne are currently taking part in the scheme. Terry said:
"They're going through a formal, very difficult and long-winded, procedure - we're just trying to support that person while they go through that process.
"It's a very easy fix from our point of view, and it makes a difference."