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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.

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.

Spring Update on the DP Drop in

It has been a long winter, not helped by the Covid Pandemic but DP with its usual resourcefulness has not stood still. There have been several developments following on from our Casework team being relocated upstairs with the rest of our provision downstairs in the Wesley Suite.

Here are some of the changes:

A ticket system has been introduced so that when service users arrive at the Reception desk upstairs those eligible are given a ticket which gives them priority access to food parcels and clothes.

The FOOD ROOM has been reorganised to streamline the facilities so that the needy receive appropriate food parcels backed up by a storeroom next to the kitchen which has tinned items in date order ready for distribution as required.

The CLOTHES ROOM is now organised such that individual needs can be met between 11 and 12 and 1.00 and 2.00. Other than that a table and rails are available outside the clothes room from which all service users can take up to 5 items once then they have their turn. There is also a backup room for clothes behind the stage where newly delivered clothes are sorted for future distribution.

The ARTS AND CRAFTS table is located in the Hall and encourages service users to participate using their creative skills.

The BEVERAGE PROVISION has been relocated near to the entrance door and is serviced by a team member rather than self-service.

The BARBER’S SERVICE is available most weeks by one of our service users and is very popular including our team members!

We now have a QUIET ROOM which apart from doubling as a storeroom is also a place which can be used for one to ones or restroom and is also used by an HIV guidance service once a month

ENGLISH TEACHING is back again with mixed classes on occasions depending on the availability of teachers.

We continue to receive a lot of food and clothes donations but have had to be very specific regarding clothes due to lack of storage space. The highlight of food donations was in early January when over 2,000 items were donated by Mount St Joseph, one of our local schools.

Our numbers have been increasing gradually in recent weeks and Alan and his kitchen team have responded well by providing a hot vegetarian meal each Wednesday.

Fortunately, our number of volunteers has increased in recent months which has helped us provide the welcoming and caring provision as outlined above.

If in reading this you or someone you know might be interested in joining us then please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will invite you to visit us on a Wednesday to see for yourself what we actually provide.

Thanks for reading,
Paul Barnes - Drop in Coordinator

Spring 2022

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.

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