Bolton DP Destitution Project
Seeking to provide a safe environment where Refugees and Asylum Seekers can find friendship, food and practical help.
Helping to create new futures for Bolton’s asylum seekers and refugees…
Due to a severe shortage of storage space, at the moment DP is unable to accept donations of clothing and household goods.
For further information and updates on the situation please contact us at info@boltondp.org Please note this does not apply to food and toiletries. We are still accepting donations of toiletries and non-perishable food. The Food Team can advise what we are most in need of. We are very grateful for all your support and will advise when we are able to accept donations once more.
There was a lovely Destitution Project presentation on Wednesday afternoon for Sister Christine who will be taking it easy from now on.
The other picture is Sister Barbara when she got a medal from the Queen. She is also now taking it easier in Lytham.
On 10th October, four actors from Contact and BHA visited the Destitution Project (DP) to put on a play for DP service users and volunteers.
It focused on some of the problems of living with HIV. The aim of the performance, which was funded by Public Health Britain, was to give the audience an insight into daily life with the condition.
On Saturday, 27 of us went to watch the mighty whites (Bolton Wanderers) against QPR.
On this occasion, we had a pre match event in a lounge overlooking the pitch.This was put on by BWFCFFF, which is the Family, Faith, Football section.
We were treated to tea, coffee, drinks, programmes.
Over 30 of our service users, volunteers and their children, some of whom were in the cast, were guests of the Octagon.
They were guests at an open air production of 'Gulliver's Travels' in Queens Park, the theatre's latest 'away from Octagon' show whilst their home is being refurbished.
A pleasant and informative time was had by all at Smithills Hall in September.
A group of our ladies were shown round the beautifully maintained building which is of course one of the jewels in Bolton’s crown. Our guides made every effort to help their listeners understand the commentary and this was very much appreciated, as many are beginners in terms of learning English.
Nine service users from DP had a great afternoon at the Bolton One climbing wall recently, thanks to Graham and Helen, experienced climbers from local charity WAVE Adventure.
Some were new to the experience but others had climbed in the mountains of their home countries, in Afghanistan and Palestine.
Following on from our classes in flower arranging, card making and knitting, our ladies now received instruction in the art of making soft toys and the skills required for cooking.
All food and toys made were taken home to grateful recipients. Included in the lessons was an English conversation class, describing the classes. Our thanks to Dawn, Julie and their Lottery Funding.
The youth players from the Octagon came to the Destitution Project with their new play "Lena Logged Off."
The set was prepared during the morning and the performance began at lunchtime. 95 of our service users and volunteers were enthralled as the cast performed the play, which they had written.
Some of DP volunteers are also on the committee of City of Sanctuary Bolton and last Wednesday collected money towards the bike ride Jackie and Martin from Justica fair trade shop took part in.
They went to Southport and back on their bikes and raised money for refugees and DP contributed towards that for City of Sanctuary Bolton.
To run its weekly Drop-In for asylum seekers and refugees and provide casework support, the Destitution Project relies heavily on the help and dedication of its volunteers.
Because we are a thriving organisation with much work to be done, we are looking for volunteers who are able to give us at least one day per week for a minimum of 6 months. If you are recently retired, part-time employed or otherwise able to give us this level of commitment, we would love to hear from you!
You can email us at: info@boltondp.org and send us a CV or details on your relevant experience and availability. We will then arrange for you to visit the Drop-In on a Wednesday so that you can have a guided tour and we can explain a bit more about what volunteering with us will involve.
Particular skills we are currently looking for are:
General admin skills and experience: You will need to be able to come in on different days (e.g. on Wednesdays and Fridays) when needed. We will work with you to find times that suit both you and the team.
IT and computer skills: we often need help on a Wednesdays (9.00am - 3.00pm) and sometimes on other occasions when needed.
DP Reception Team: you will need to be able to come in from 9.00am to 3.30 pm each Wednesday and help with the sign-in system, welcoming service users and visitors and managing access to the Drop-In.
Drop in Team: you will need to be able to come in from 9am- 3.00pm on Wednesdays. It may involve General Hall Duties including the setting up and putting away of furniture and games equipment or supporting in the Food or Clothes Room with managing stock and assisting our Service Users. You will need to be able to work well as part of a team.
English Teaching: to teach English at a basic or intermediate level in small groups on a Wednesday each week. No formal qualifications required but some background in English teaching/education may be helpful.
Thank you for considering volunteering with us!
A single point for refugees to find information and for NGOs to provide it. The Refugee Aid App mobile app shows migrants, refugees and aid workers where services are closest to them on a map with a very simple interface.
A web based content management and communication system allows official aid organizations to manage and update their services and to get their critical aid to where it is most urgently needed.
