Story: John Mellor
Burngreave has been an important centre for migrant groups coming to Sheffield for many years now. The community that has emerged and continues to develop here is one to which the Messenger gives voice and support. There are many people in the area who quietly, without fanfare, offer their help in many ways to those who are most vulnerable, not least the many destitute asylum seekers and refugees. Having co- ordinated the setting up of projects designed to help people in this situation, the previous vicar of Christchurch, Pitsmoor, now Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham, the Venerable Martyn Snow said:
“Some amazing people come to us as asylum seekers, very highly qualified in their own countries, obviously gifted and skilled, but who then have become almost completely de-skilled and told they can’t do anything. The church offers them a way to contribute something to the wider community, for example through voluntary work, helping them in their learning of English and giving temporary accommodation to those who have nowhere to stay.”
ASSIST (Asylum Seekers Support Initiative – Short Term) is a local Sheffield charity set up a few years ago to meet the needs of destitute asylum seekers and refugees. It has been active in Burngreave, drawing on the initiative of local volunteers to establish a vibrant support network. A current problem for ASSIST is the availability of suitable accommodation at weekends. Centres which can provide accommodation during the week are often used for other purposes at the weekend. There is therefore a need for alternative ccommodation on Saturday and Sunday nights. Some householders in different areas of Sheffield are already hosting people at weekends, but more are needed.
My wife and I have been offering accommodation for the past year and we have found it to be hugely rewarding. The people who come to us through ASSIST are always vetted and we are never put under any pressure. The experience has been immensely rich for us and we know we have given a couple of nights respite to people who are in great need. If you, like us, have a spare room which from time to time you might be willing to offer at the weekend to someone recommended by ASSIST please consider it. Anyone who can help in this way will find it very rewarding, as have my wife and !.
Further information can be obtained from:
jennyrichardson@assistsheffield.org.uk Telephone: 0114 275 4960