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Sat, Aug

Bolton Destitution Project

Helping to create new futures for Bolton’s asylum seekers and refugees…

The Wednesday Drop-in is closed tomorrow (July 22nd 2026) for the team's annual holiday break.
The Drop-in reopened on Wednesday, July 29th at 10am.

Bolton Destitution Project Fundraising

NEED HELP? Visit The DP DROP IN CENTRE >>

DONATIONS

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.

Grandad Raises Funds for the Bolton Destitution Project by Walking 167 Miles

*kindly reprinted from the Bolton News >

A grandad has walked 167 miles over 31 days to raise money for the Bolton Destitution Project.

The charity usually runs a drop-in centre at Victoria Hall on Wednesdays to hand out food parcels to asylum seekers who have no recourse to public funds. However, since lockdown began, they have had to give out supermarket vouchers to those in need as safe alternative.

Currently around 40 people are receiving £20 vouchers each week, which is costing the charity £3,200.

Paul Barns, who is the coordinator of the drop-in, decided he would take on a challenge to raise money.

He came up with the idea of a virtual walk to Hemel Hempstead where his three grandchildren live, and completed the distance by walking around Bolton averaging at five miles per day.

Paul began his challenge on April 20, and completed it on May 20, 11 days earlier than he expected. He has raised £325 but hopes to receive more donations.

The 79-year-old said: "I think Captain Tom Moore has been an inspiration. I'm in good health, I like walking and I thought, I can put this to some use.

"I wanted to fundraise as an individual for the charity because I know the important work they do.

"I want to say a big thank you to all those who have donated."

The Bolton Destitution Project offers support to asylum seekers and refugees by providing access to case workers, English classes and a safe place where individuals can meet the wider community.

Margaret Simpson, a trustee for the charity, said: "These are people who have come from traumatic circumstances and have undergone stressful journeys to get here.

"This whole situation is difficult for everyone, but its even more challenging when you don't have the rooted connections that nationals have.

"More people are needing are help right now and it's crucial that we can provide food and support for them.

"At the heart of our project is being a vibrant, friendly, and welcoming place where people feel safe, but because Victoria Hall is a church building we don't know when we will be able to open up again."

If you wish to sponsor Paul, send a donation to the Destitution Project Victoria Hall, Knowsley Street, Bolton, BL1 2AS.
Please Help Bolton DP

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!

Download The RefAID App

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.

Donate To Bolton Destitution Project