Many of us at the Refugee Project have been saddened by the recent news reports of anti-migrant protests, with demonstrators blocking roads in an effort to stop people who have arrived from leaving towns and cities. Catholic Social Teaching is clear that ‘anyone who is forced to move to preserve their lives or human dignity has a moral claim on the hospitality of others. Every human person, regardless of their legal status or geographic location, has a transcendent dignity that must always be respected and others have a duty to see that they are respected, protected and fulfilled.’ We try to follow this philosophy at the Refugee Project by offering a warm welcome and a safe space, in addition to providing more practical support.
We currently have around 500 individuals and families using our services every month. We are very grateful to all the parishes, schools and individuals that donate food and toiletries regularly. We couldn’t provide the support we do without your help. Items most urgently needed can be found here. However, we also need to purchase food items each month to ensure that we have sufficient to support all our clients. In addition, we purchase food vouchers for our destitute clients who have exhausted all possible claims and receive no government support, as well as funding staffing and running costs.
You may not be aware that in previous years we have relied quite heavily on grants from charitable foundations, but these are becoming more difficult to access, so we really do rely on those individuals who give regular financial donations. If you would like to donate to the project regularly, details of our bank account (DHN Justice & Peace Refugee Project) can be found on our webpage. Or you can contact our treasurer at jp.refugeeproject@diocesehn.org.uk
And a huge thank you to those who already contribute financially!
We continue to try to support our clients by signposting them to other organisations for advice. A representative from West End Refugee Service continues to come to the project weekly (alternating Wednesday and Fridays), providing general support and helping with queries from our clients. A representative from JET, a charity that supports those with refugee status with employment opportunities and advice is also visiting the project regularly.
We also try to signpost clients to English lessons as we are aware of the importance of our clients gaining the ability to speak English to help them to integrate into their new communities. Currently, a range of ESOL lessons at different levels are being run by the WEA (Adult Learning Within Reach) in the Centre which our clients have access to.
We continue to work on the engagement of schools. Following a very successful year last year, engaging with several primary schools and some secondary schools, there will be a focus this year to widen our involvement with secondary schools in the area.
We have had many clients giving positive feedback recently. The support they receive means a lot to them and several of those who have gained leave to remain and are no longer eligible to or services have commented on how much they have appreciated the generosity and kindness of our volunteers. Recently, in conversation with a client, when a volunteer said that we try to do a little to help, he commented ‘it may be little but it is something and I thank you for it’.
For more details about our work and how you can assist, please contact our Project Co-ordinator at jp.refugeeproject@diocesehn.org.uk or visit our webpage.