There is a drop-in centre for people seeking asylum every Friday, 9.30am to 12.00 noon, at the Avenue Multicultural Centre, Avenue St Andrew’s Church, The Avenue, Southampton SO17 1XQ.
People can make new friends, spend time together, and feel welcome and valued.
The drop-in offers:
- an opportunity to meet and socialise with others
- SWVG and CLEAR help-desks for advice and support
- refreshments
- food bags to take away
- activities including board games
- access to one-to-one English lessons for those eligible.
No need to make an appointment before coming. People sign a register at reception and put their names on a list if they want to see the help-desk.
SWVG may allocate people a ‘Link Visitor’. Hardship money is given in extreme circumstances.
Red Cross Ask at the drop-in if you want to be put in touch with British Red Cross. They may help with tracing and contacting families. Sometimes they offer free training courses in first aid and volunteering.
The Avenue Multicultural Centre (AMC) is run jointly by SWVG (Southampton & Winchester Visitors Group), CLEAR (City Life Education and Action for Refugees), and Avenue St Andrew’s United Reformed Church.
Contact CLEAR at reception@clearproject.org.uk telephone 023 8022 1111