What we are doing

Creating Welcoming Spaces – This crisis shows us that we must have places of safety and welcome for people seeking Sanctuary.  Renovations to The Sanctuary are moving quickly – https://www.gofundme.com/f/eafbdv-support-the-sanctuary – and we hope to open in early October to provide a vital space for people seeking sanctuary in the city in time for many of the new arrivals from Afghanistan and others.  The Drop-In, another vital welcoming space, is now open again for appointments from 1pm to 4pm on Wednesdays.

Working in solidarity with people seeking sanctuary to improve their safety and wellbeing  – We are supporting people to restart their life in the UK by helping them access housing, benefits, ESOL classes, volunteering opportunities and much more.  We are also tirelessly advocating for the rights of people seeking sanctuary so they can access what they are entitled to.

Coordinating the movement and advocating for change – We are bringing people together to work more effectively so everyone knows where to donate; volunteer or campaign for change. We also continue to campaign for asylum reform.  JCWI have released an excellent briefing which can be found here and we wholeheartedly support the recommendations made in it – https://www.jcwi.org.uk/briefing-the-afghanistan-crisis-and-refugee-rights