A WOMAN who has recently returned from volunteering at a refugee camp has said the situation is getting in increasingly desperate.

Mary Brandon, 63, who lives in Malton, spent four weeks teaching English with Samos Volunteers at a camp in Greece, working mainly with adults and teenagers.

She said: “I wanted to volunteer because of hearing the harrowing stories of refugees arriving in Europe and not feeling welcome. I have free time and felt I might be able to help.

"The majority of refugees were from Syria with the second largest group being from Afghanistan. They had all escaped from horrific violence and persecution.

“They have requested international protection, but the applications are being processed very slowly. Many refugees have been stuck in the camp for nine months or more.”

Mary, who is an examiner who taught English as a foreign language for many years, said: “Since I left in October the camp has become much more crowded, water supplies and toilets have become problematic. The weather has got worse and families are often wet and cold.

“It seems that Europe has left Greece and Italy to deal with the refugee crisis.”

Mary, who funded her travel, accommodation and daily living expenses, said Samos Volunteers was the only group providing clothing, shoes and hygiene items.

“Samos Volunteers is a response to the refugee crisis on the island of Samos,” she said.

“This initiative evolved in the autumn of 2015 to support local residents who had come together to provide emergency assistance to refugees arriving by boat.

“Volunteers can offer anything from a week to several months. They don't need any special skills though special skills can be put to good use. Volunteers pay all their expenses and don't live in the camp.

“Accommodation can be very affordable. Samos is a beautiful island and free time is very enjoyable. Also, working with the refugees is great from many points of view.

“I made many new friends and felt I was making a difference, albeit small.”

Mary said she now hoped to return to the camp in March and will be collecting money to spend directly on teaching materials.

“Volunteering at the camp was one of the best things I've done in my life. I strongly recommend it and would be very happy to discuss it with anyone interested."

Mary can be phoned on 07745 806128 or email maryebrandon@googlemail

For more information on Samos Volunteers, go to samosvolunteers.org