Stockport Refugee Group

This organisation is a constituted group that provides assistance to refugees and asylum seekers in the Stockport area.  Run by local residents and former refugees, it organises a drop-in centre each Saturday, providing a warm safe place for people to meet and access services. It offers English conversation classes, children’s play, a hot meal, and free food bags where required.  Volunteers are able to offer advice on issues such as housing, health and finding other support.  Around 30-35 women attend each week, with a natural flow of new visitors as people arrive into the area and others move on.

The Allen Lane Foundation awarded a grant of £3,726 in June 2024.  This will cover the group’s insurance, volunteer expenses including DBS checks, and pay half the annual rent costs of the drop-in.  Overall outcomes of the work are that attendees of the drop-in will have improved confidence from learning to understand and speak English in an informal setting; better understanding and integration into the local community and culture; and improved chances of employment by gaining new skills.