JUSTICE AND PEACE REFUGEE PROJECT NEWS
John and Audrey Marshall, co-ordinators of St Joseph's Asylum Centre in Newcastle write about the Justice and Peace Refugee Project:
"We have now been running for close on ten years. From the outset our aim has been to welcome and care for people from all over the world who arrive on our doorstep seeking asylum. We have always tried to respond to the evolving needs of our clients arising from new legislation. We plan to have a celebration event to mark our first ten years later in the year.
"Back in 2001 we started with just one drop-in at St Joseph’s in Benwell, opening for two hours each week. Before long this had grown to five similar drop-ins, at various venues, across the Catholic diocese of Hexham and Newcastle.
"Ten years on all of these are still thriving. St Joseph’s Benwell has expanded and now opens on all weekdays from eleven till three, dealing mostly, but not entirely, with destitute asylum seekers. Each of these (135 at the moment from 29 different countries), receives £5 a week and a food parcel.
"The food comes from the generosity of many parishes and schools in the diocese as well as from “Gifts from Jesus” an organisation based in Eaglescliffe and Fair Share (Cyrenians).
"Cash is paid out of the Destitute Asylum Fund which consists of donations given by priests, parishes, J&P groups, schools and individuals.
"We are staffed by a co-ordinator working with a team of volunteers and two part time workers. The centre offers to ALL asylum seekers and refugees free of charge:
- Pool -table
- TV
- Internet Service
- Use of telephone
- Shower
- Washing Machine
- Refreshments
- Hot meals three times a week
- Basic English Lessons
- In addition destitute asylum seekers receive £5 a week and a bag of food
Back in 2001 we started with just one drop-in at St Joseph’s in Benwell, opening for two hours each week.
Before long this had grown to five similar drop-ins, at various venues, across the diocese.
Ten years on all of these are still thriving. St Joseph’s Benwell has expanded and now opens on all weekdays from eleven till three.