Organisations in Liverpool seeking to provide sanctuary are always looking for volunteers and donations. It is up to you to get involved. If you think you can help, you probably can. Please look at the groups below to see some of the ways you can do so.
If you’re still unsure, or would like more information, give us an email, and we’ll try to point you in the right direction. Email us at [email protected]
What Your Local Organisations and Community Groups are doing… Get Involved with our founding members:
Merseyside Refugee Support Network (MRSN) – At our heart, MRSN provide practical help to refugees “moving-on” from the asylum system and to support their onward social and economic independence for life in the Liverpool region and beyond. Our service is person centred to meet client needs throughout their integration journey, underpinned by our health and wellbeing work. We offer casework and advocacy support to help clients with benefit applications, support with applications for statutory housing services, emergency financial and destitution support. Once out of crisis we can offer employability support when resources allow. We also offer community support to refugee diaspora communities.
Our work is based on our core charitable objective that is the relief of poverty of refugees and asylum seekers.
Tel: 0151 709 7557
Email: [email protected]
https://www.mrsnliverpool.org.uk
Asylum Link (ALM) provides a safe space for asylum seekers and refugees to meet and find out about their new community. A wide range of services are available including advice, food, clothes shop, English classes and bike repair. If you would like to donate clothes or food, or volunteer, please ring or email the centre.
Tel: 0151 709 1713
www.asylumlink.org.uk
SOLA Arts – Creative, social and therapeutic projects predominantly with refugees and black and ethnic minority communities. Using the arts to support personal and community development.
Tel: 0151 726 8440
www.solaarts.org
Sahir House – Sahir House provides vital frontline services to communities in Liverpool and the Merseyside area, including sexual health services and LGBTQ+ support services. Sahir has a dedicated LGBTQ+ Asylum & Refugee Support service & peer support group.
STAR (Student Action for Refugees) A national network of student groups campaigning, volunteering with, and raising awareness for refugees in the UK. Projects in Liverpool are dependent on student involvement! If you’re a student at any university please contact us to find out how you can be involved.
www.star-network.org
Family Refugee Support Project – Liverpool service provides therapy through horticulture for refugee and asylum seeking families who are struggling with mental health issues as a result of trauma.
0151 728 9340
www.frsp.org.uk
Refugee Action Liverpool Provide advice and support to asylum seekers and manage resettlement projects on behalf of the local authority.
www.refugee-action.org.uk
Refugee Women Connect – previously known as MRANG, is set up to support women asylum-seekers, refugees and survivors of trafficking. We run an extensive outreach programme with weekly drop-ins where women can access a range of emotional and practical support and activities. We run an additional support group for perinatal women and a self-esteem support group.
https://www.refugeewomenconnect.org.uk
How you and your community can welcome people seeking sanctuary…
- Positively support your colleagues, friends or staff to understand the real reasons why people seek sanctuary and the problems refugees face. This is in contrast to the inaccurate and negative media that exists about refugees.
- Donate pre-loved clothes, sheets, pots and pans and other useful items (via Asylum Link/MRSN).
- Offer your skills and volunteer with one of the local asylum or refugee support charities. (any charities listed)
- Become a mentor and help folk move back into their professional roles.
- Join a conversational English class.
- Smile more often – It uses less muscles, helps you and others feel happy and welcome.
- Fundraise for or donate to an asylum or refugee charity.
- Publicise City of Sanctuary, Refugee Week and other refugee events within your community.