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Organisations and voluntary Groups

For information about services and organisation working with  those seeking sanctuary locally, see the Council webpage outlining this: https://www.livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/Information/boroughofsanctuary

We recognise and promote the ongoing work of local organisations supporting refugees and other sanctuary seekers including:

CHAWREC – Cheshire, Halton and Warrington Race and Equality Centre – provides English classes. CHAWREC also runs a structured ‘Befrienders’  scheme, have a ‘drop-in’ session for Sanctuary Seekers, a craft group and legal services. (website, tel: 01244400730)

Community Crossroads Hub – New Church, Dicksons Drive in Newton, Chester, CH2 2BN has a food bank and community cafe. In association with other groups, also provide some food, personal care and hygiene products, clothing, SIM cards and household items to sanctuary seekers who are welcome in the cafe ( see places of welcome below). Website

Refugees at Home –  a national charity, with local representatives, which aims to match those with a spare room in their home with sanctuary seekers looking for accommodation. The group can be contacted by those who have a room or those needing accommodation. More information on website

SHARE volunteers distribute donations of clothing, footwear and other essential items to refugee camps in host countries and also to those seeking sanctuary within the local community. (website, tel: 01352759563)

Places of Welcome 

Please see relevant websites/facebook for further details regarding opening times (under ‘Organisations and Groups’)

  • Chester Cathedral: visit the Cathedral Cloister Room on Mondays 10-12am to ‘chat, connect or just enjoy a coffee. All welcome’.
  • Crossroads community hub, New Church, Dicksons Drive in Newton, Chester, CH2 2BN. Thursday 1-3pm, cafe and support.
  • Unity Centre Community Café, 17 Cupin Street, Chester, CH1 2BN:  Drinks, cakes and light bites.

                               

English Conversation Lessons

Unity Centre, 17 Cuppin Street, Chester, CH1 2BN. 

For further details see Facebook page or contact centre directly on 01244 400730

Schools of Sanctuary

There is a rich source of information for any school wishing to become a ‘School of Sanctuary’ at:

https://schools.cityofsanctuary.org.

Please also feel free to contact us.

Chester University Sanctuary Award

The University of Chester offer a Sanctuary Award to applicants seeking sanctuary. Successful recipients will receive a full tuition fee waiver that is payable in each academic year of the course. In addition up to £2,500 a year is available for essential study costs. Priority is given to applicants who live within easy commuting distance of the University of Chester. Additional support is developed for each student to enable them to identify and overcome barriers to achievement on their degree programme. For further information, follow this link: https://www.chester.ac.uk/student-life/student-support/support-packages/university-of-sanctuary/#d.en.15705

Accessing Medical Care for those Seeking Asylum

Often those seeking sanctuary in the UK may not know what medical care they can access and how the NHS works. The following is a link, taken from The Quaker Asylum Refugee Network, on how to access care. The leaflet is produced in English and some other languages.

https://qarn.org.uk/how-to-access-medical-care-as-an-asylum-seeker

LGBTQ+ Support

‘Just Ask’ is a helpline and support service for the LGBTQ+ community. Anyone who would like contact is welcome at the  Rainbow Tea Rooms cafe (28 Bridge Street, Chester) and community space or can contact the group via:

Email                                               [email protected]

Call / Text / Whatsapp                  07718 066684

Call                                                 01244 257 602

Want to know more?

See our ‘Refugee Week’ news posts for lists of books and other information and also our other pages and the National City of sanctuary website.