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17
Mon, 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.

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.

Paul Martin, DP's Chair of Trustees, Retires

Ever since the Destitution Project (DP) took its first step in 2014 towards becoming a registered Charity, Paul Martin has served as Chair of Trustees.

Earlier this year he let us know that he would be retiring and officially did so in April. Although he said that he 'didn't want a fuss', in true DP style we took absolutely no notice and made as big a fuss as we could!

We'd invited Paul down to our Wednesday Drop-in on March 30th just before lunchtime. When he got there little did he know that team members and service users were ready to make him the centre of attention - just for a bit!

It fell to David Tomlinson, DP's Deputy Chair, to speak of the huge role Paul has played in leading DP through all its seasons, successful and challenging.

Paul responded in a typically self-effacing way, acknowledging everything that was said but paying tribute to others and insisting that, at the end of the day, he has never relished leadership and felt himself to be a team player. He also said he took strength from the knowledge that, no matter what challenges our service users may be facing, after a visit to the Drop-in on a Wednesday or having received help from our Casework team, they leave feeling just that little bit better. Paul ended by saying that he looked forward to the time when the asylum system works better and organisations like DP are no longer necessary.

To ensure Paul doesn't forget DP, our volunteers Pam and Kath presented him with a "DP archive' album; filled with photos that will keep many memories alive, both funny and poignant. Then our talented artists, Ian, Irina and Diana gave Paul memorable pieces they had done specially for him: from Ian, the symbolic image of a lighthouse, painted on slate; from Irina and Diana two beautiful watercolour landscapes. Then our volunteer barber Arshad presented a card signed by all the Team. To round off the occasion Elsie. volunteer teacher, led the English classes in performing a specially written Farewell Song to the tune of "Happy Birthday". We finished with a resounding "Hip hip hurray".

It was altogether a well deserved tribute and a wonderful occasion. Paul we at DP wish you all the very best and - please - don't be a stranger!

Paul Martin, DP Chair Retires

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