Church lends a hand to support asylum seekers
AN INVITATION to support asylum seekers and refugees has been made by a Leek church.
For several years Trinity Church has supported – in different ways – a well established and valued organisation in Stoke-ontrent called ASHA, which receives no public funds and is totally reliant on grants and donations.
The organisation is located in Cooper Street, Hanley and exists purely to give hope and support to vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees from 47 nationalities and who are spread out all over Stoke -on-trent from Tunstall to Longton.
ASHA’S support is offered in a variety of ways. This includes provision of basic food items and clothing, as well as services such as English classes, expert advice on immigration and other matters from the Red Cross and refugee action surgeries, access to computers and the internet and activities like football and craft groups for women.
A spokeswoman for the church said: “This year we thought we would open up the invitation to people living in Leek and the Moorlands.
“At this time of year it has been Trinity’s practice to donate food items for ASHA to distribute to asylum seeker families in Stoke-ontrent.
“Instead of the usual fresh harvest produce, we collect the non-perishable foods and other basic items that are most needed. We know that times are hard for many but whatever you can spare will be most appreciated.”
The church will be open today, Wednesday, September 23 and Wednesday, September 30 between 10am and 12pm and on Saturday, September 26 between 9.30am and 12.30pm.
Donations of the following most needed items can be dropped off in the foyer, without having to come right into the church, though donators are asked to still wear a face covering. ▶ Sunflower oil
▶ Basmati rice
▶ Pasta
▶ Cereals – Weetabix, porridge, muesli
▶ Long life full milk ▶ Tinned tuna, sardines in sunflower oil
▶ Tinned tomatoes, lentils, sweet corn, chick peas, fruit, rice, coconut milk
▶ Dried lentils, chickpeas ▶ Tea, coffee, biscuits ▶ Toiletries, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shower gel, bars of soap
▶ Disposable sizes 3, 4 and 5 nappies