Support for Asylum Seekers is provided in many ways by many people in Lancaster and Morecambe.  Here are some things that are happening.

House Volunteers

Private companies have been given a contract by the government to ‘distribute’ asylum seekers to different locations in the UK and to provide basic accommodation, usually in shared houses.   We aim to provide dedicated volunteers for each house used in Lancaster.  The volunteer is there to help and befriend in any way that can be helpful.

English Lessons

All asylum seekers coming to Lancaster and Morecambe are offered English lessons.  Learn more about it here

Drop Ins for Help

Asylum seekers and refugees face many difficulties in a strange country: housing, benefits, getting a doctor, getting a bank account, negotiating the legal system.  Our partners run a number of drop in centres where asylum seekers can go to seek help

Drop Ins for Social

A regular drop in for all asylum seekers and refugees is run by our partner organisation  Global Link

A safe and friendly environment specifically for women (and pre-school children) is offered by our partners at East Meets West

Bikes for all

An asylum seeker is entitled to £5 a day (and is not allowed by law to take paid work to supplement this).  That must cover food, clothing, and the rest of everyday living costs.   There’s not much available for bus fares!   So we have a scheme to provide bicycles to solve the problem.  Old bikes are refubishered and lent to asylum seekers for as long as they are needed.

Football

We play football twice a week at Ripley St Thomas High School: 6:30pm on Mondays and 7:30pm on Wednesdays. Everyone is welcome, regardless of ability, age, gender, etc! It’s about getting weekly exercise, making friends and having fun. Locals are welcome and asked to pay £3 towards running costs. Free for asylum seekers, refugees and anyone else who can’t afford it.

Sewing Circle

Victoria Frausin’s sewing circle combines practical self-help with a relaxed informal environement where friendships can be made and social barriers broken.

Special Events

As well as the regular help talked about so far special events are also often arranged.  Parties, music, outings, swimming …

And more..

If you have an area of expertise or an idea for something that might prove popular why not have a go?   We would be delighted to hear your ideas and offer what assistance we can in bringing it to life.  Contact [email protected].