How we can help
People newly arrived in the UK often have little English language skills, and sometimes poor numeracy and literacy, adding to the difficulties they face. We aim to help address this by offering support in small groups, and working with other local organisations who offer classes.
Our friendly, informal English lessons start each Thursday at around 10am.
English language and literacy
Some of the people we support are completely destitute and have no means of providing their own food. We offer a food bank to do our best to make sure that no-one goes home hungry.
Everyone in need goes home with a bag of supplies, providing fresh vegetables and fruit whenever possible.
Our foodbank is open from 9am each Thursday.
Sanctus Foodbank
Toiletries
Sanitary products and toiletries can often be deemed a luxury that is unaffordable for many, and so we supply these items where we can. We rely on the generosity of our supporters to collect these items for us, and this is done through collection boxes in local churches and places of employment.
A limited number of toiletries are available at our Thurday drop-in sessions.
Friendship & Emotional Support
We like to think that our Thursday drop-in sessions are places of warmth and friendship.
One of the most frightening experiences for many, is to go alone to the reporting centre to 'sign on', or to go to official interviews and appointments. We aim to provide befrienders, who will support those who need it, to be a reassuring presence, and to provide confidence that friends and family will be alerted if the person is detained. We are also able to offer limited help for people who have difficulty in travelling to their appointment with the Home Office.
Skills and Creativity
We try to involve a number of outside agencies into our sessions offering art or other creative activities. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more information about these.
Sometimes our sessions are themed around cultural events and seasons. We are also supported by various community art groups.
Join us
If you’d like to come chat about how you can get involved as a volunteer, get in touch by clicking or tapping the button below.