As the Destitution Project is also a recipient of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (2020), information describing this prestigious event was also on view.

Throughout the course of the day, colouring sheets of the Queen were available and we were amazed how many of our service users wanted not only to colour or paint these pictures but also to take them home afterwards as a memento. We did manage to persuade several to put their artwork on display for everyone to admire during the day. Slips of paper was also provided containing a lovely picture of the Queen and everyone was invited to write their own thoughts or condolences on them. These also were also put on display for all to read.

It was very moving to see the affection and respect for the Queen shown by many throughout the day. At one point you could almost hear a pin drop as young and old alike from many different countries, all sat deep in concentration either colouring or writing a few words of appreciation. A highlight of the day was when Paul, our Drop-In Coordinator, invited all to observe a two-minute silence in memory of our long-serving monarch.

Many words of appreciation had been uttered around the UK and worldwide since the Queen passed away on Thursday, September 8th 2022, but today at DP the affection and respect shown to her by many of our refugees, asylum seekers and volunteers also spoke volumes. A picture speaks more than a thousand words, and the picture of today at DP showed how much Queen Elizabeth II will be sorely missed by many.

Pam Green, DP Volunteer

DP Remembers Her Majesty

WOULD YOU LIKE TO VOLUNTEER WITH THE DESTITUTION PROJECT (DP)?

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!

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