We are a Christian charity (Registered Charity: 1183290) that seeks to enhance the lives of all people in the Handforth, Wilmslow and Knutsford areas. Our services include:
Hope Centres – Our Hope Centres offer further support to help address the root causes of poverty. They are held weekly at St. Cross Knutsford (Monday), Lacey Green (Tuesday), St. Chad’s Handforth (Thursday) and Open Arms, Colshaw Farm, Wilmslow (Friday).
1) English Lessons: We offer 3x/week language lessons (Wed/Thus/Fri) for those who want to practice their conversational English. These free one-hour lessons are both fun and interactive, and we welcome new learners into our community.
2) Foodbank – We provide food parcels to those in need in both the Knutford and Wilmslow/Handforth areas.
3) Community (via our Hope Centres) – Our Hope Centres run weekly and are free for anyone to drop in. They provide a warm, welcoming community and a delicious free lunch!
4) Debt Centre – Our Debt Centre covers the SK9 and WA16 postcode areas. We work in partnership with Christians Against Poverty to offer a free, friendly service to support you out of debt. CAP is an award-winning debt counselling services which sees thousands of people break free from debt every year.
5) Job Centre – Hope Central works in partnership with Christians Against Poverty to bring you Steps to Employment – a free 8-week course which will equip you with the tools you need to find employment, from CV writing skills to interview techniques. Throughout the course you will learn what your strengths are and what you would like to do going forwards.
6) Money Skills – Hope Central runs two courses, Life Skills and the Money Course, in partnership with Christians Against Poverty, which provide ideas about how to make the most of your finances.
7) Fresh Start Course – Fresh Start is aimed at discovering and addressing the root causes of dependency, setting achievable goals and working with a coach in order to break free. This eight-week course is completely confidential, building up an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect for each group member. Trained coaches come alongside delegates and help them to achieve their goals and provide support throughout the week.
Mary Seacole House is Liverpool’s leading Mental Health charity for BAMER (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic & Refugee) communities. Supporting individuals and families to improve their Health & Wellbeing. It is a place where people with diverse social and cultural backgrounds can come together in a safe environment. Staff will offer assistance in both practical and emotional matters, alongside delivering a wide range of activities. The organisation endeavours to address the needs of culturally diverse communities within Merseyside. Along with our Advocacy service and BAMER community advocacy service
We run a drop in twice a week; Monday 6-8pm and the main one on Weds morning 10-12.30. The drop in is accessible for all asylum seekers and refugees. We have a team able to deliver English, help with practical items, form filling etc as well as providing a free bike to anyone who wants one. The cafe is relaxed and a nice place to hang out. It is very popular. Occasionally we have visits from other groups to do eye tests, health checks etc…It is run by helpers from Hope Church Crewe and some of the refugee volunteers too.
We support refugee families when they come to Cheshire East. Our aim is to help them integrate as quickly as possible.
We give emergency clothing , toiletries and small household goods. We also help people in the resettlement program with items they might need.
Sefton Libraries, in partnership with other organisations, offer a cultural landing point for any members of the community both new and old. Aside from the expected provision of books, computers and printers, we offer a range of activities and workshops.
We are developing a programme of drop-in advice sessions as well as creative and language learning sessions for sanctuary seekers in Bootle Library and Netherton Library.
We also offer a range of activities for children and young people as well as adults.
You can also access digital services, such as tablet loans, free data on SIM cards, and language learning software.
Overall Sefton Libraries aim to be a welcoming and relaxed space for anyone to work, learn or socialise.
Sefton Libraries, in partnership with other organisations, offer a cultural landing point for any members of the community both new and old. Aside from the expected provision of books, computers and printers, we offer a range of activities and workshops.
We are developing a programme of drop-in advice sessions as well as creative and language learning sessions for sanctuary seekers in Bootle Library and Netherton Library.
We also offer a range of activities for children and young people as well as adults.
You can also access digital services, such as tablet loans, free data on SIM cards, and language learning software.
Overall Sefton Libraries aim to be a welcoming and relaxed space for anyone to work, learn or socialise.
RAIS is a local charity which provides advocacy, information and support services to refugees and asylum seekers living in Lancaster and Morecambe. All of our staff and volunteers have experience helping asylum seekers and refugees in our city and are committed to welcoming and supporting them.
WHAT WE DO
Drop-in for information and support
RAIS runs a twice-weekly drop-in for refugees and asylum seekers at The Cornerstone, Sulyard Street, Lancaster LA1 1PX on Mondays and Thursdays from 3.00 until 5.00 p.m.
We also have a drop-in in Morecambe at Bare Methodist Church, Seaborn Road, Morecambe LA4 6BB on Fridays from 2.30 until 4.30 p.m.
At the drop-ins, we can explain official correspondence from the Home Office and other agencies.
We can provide information on matters including housing, benefits, employment, education, family reunion and applying for indefinite leave to remain. We will refer or signpost to other professional agencies for advice where appropriate.
All enquiries and any information given to us are treated in the strictest confidence. We never pass on information to other people or agencies without the enquirer’s permission.
Our immigration solicitor, Susan Liew is available for legal advice. To make an appointment please call 07731 552259 at the times stated below, or use our contact page. (If you cannot travel to the Cornerstone, we can arrange a telephone appointment.)
Helpline 07731 552259
Our helpline is open Monday – Thursday, 10.00 – 12.00. Asylum seekers, refugees and volunteers are welcome to call us if you think we may be able to help.
Advocacy and additional support
We can provide advocacy for refugees in dealing with various agencies and organisations. Our volunteers can accompany people to appointments, and help with form-filling, applications etc.
If you think we can help then come to the drop-in, call the Helpline, or contact us via our website.