Forever Manchester is working with UK Community Foundations to distribute funding raised by the National Emergencies Trust Coronavirus Appeal. This money is being distributed to community organisations responding to the needs of local communities across Greater Manchester via our Community Support Fund.

The Destitution Project in Bolton provide a safe environment for asylum seekers and refugees to find friendship, food and practical help. Each week the project welcomes between 100 & 160 people aged between 16 to 80 years.

They also provide support by linking people with Home Office/Migrant Help, local authorities, lawyers, housing support, food banks, medical, mental health and social support.

The people they support are generally in very poor health due to poor nutrition/malnutrition suffered over years. Most have mental health issues from trauma endured in their homeland and on their journey to the UK. Many also have chronic illnesses, cancer and injured limbs/joints.

Until the outbreak of Covid-19 the project operated a weekly ‘drop’-in for people to access casework services, a hot meal, refreshments, clothes, bedding and food parcels. Activities extended to table tennis, pool, bar football, English lessons, arts/craft activities and free haircut.

Due to the Covid-19 situation they have had to suspend their weekly drop-ins, nor can they receive any donations of food items from well-wishers, schools and other organisations,

The important need to continue providing support for those experiencing extreme poverty has not been forgotten. In response to the pandemic the Destitution Project is now providing weekly supermarket meal vouchers (rather than food parcels) for up to 40 people in desperate need.

An award from the Forever Manchester Community Support Fund has enabled the Destitution Project to continue to provide vital support to asylum seekers who are extremely vulnerable during the Covid-19 pandemic.

More information about The Community Support Fund can be found by clicking the buttons below.

Community Support Fund View the list of all groups funded to date

This year, Forever Manchester is celebrating 30 Years of supporting our local communities. We are currently working with UK Community Foundations to distribute funding raised by the National Emergencies Trust Coronavirus Appeal to support community organisations responding to the needs of local communities across Greater Manchester.

Date added: 15th May 2020