We have been overwhelmed with offers of help and wanted to provide a bit more information about how you can make a difference directly to Afghan refugees arriving in Calderdale. We are currently in talks with the authorities regarding the situation and will keep our community updated as things fall into place. 

We welcome your support in whatever shape it takes and are here to help. Whether you want to volunteer, fundraise, or help us raise awareness, please don't hesitate to message us so we can put you in touch with the right person. We encourage you to email rather than ring the offices as staff are currently very busy at the minute attending to centre members and the Afghan community.

Here are a few ways you can help directly:

  1. Volunteer – We rely on all sorts of volunteers at St. Augustine’s. From teaching English to gardening, office admin to bike maintenance, there really is something for everyone. We also run a Befriending scheme which is so important for our members. Please email Rabia for more information about volunteering:  rabia@staugustinescentrehalifax.org.uk  PLEASE NOTE:  Due to an influx of new volunteers, we are currently at capacity. We can take your information to add to our waiting list, but please be patient as we may not get in touch for a couple months. Thank you!

  2. Donate Money or Fundraise – Monetary donations are vital to keeping our centre and services running and one of the best things you can do to help right now. You can provide a one-off donation by clicking here. You can also make such a difference by using your talents to help raise money. Here are just a couple of ideas:  hold a bake sale, complete a physical challenge, arrange a dress-down day at work, and so much more. You can also raise donations with virtually no effort by doing your regular shopping through easyfundraising. We would love to help you with ideas or support you with your fundraising, please email Amber for more information:  amber.ray@staugustinescentrehalifax.org.uk

  3. Donate Goods – Thanks to the generosity of our community, we do not currently need clothing donations. We do, however, need toiletries, new underwear, second-hand tech (smartphones, laptops, etc.), suitcases, bikes for our Re:Cycle programme, men’s trainers & walking boots. Please contact Hassan at hassan.elhourani@staugustinescentrehalifax.org.uk to arrange a donation or collection

  4. Raise Awareness – We are currently expanding our campaigning and awareness raising to influence the debate on asylum policy in the UK with a focus locally in Calderdale, but also nationally. We work with Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary, schools, organisations, businesses, and many public services – maybe your workplace or organisation could play a role, too! We can also provide awareness sessions which are a great way to spread the message and learn more about how to help directly. We’re also currently running campaigns like the #TogetherWithRefugees orange hearts and the #AfghanRefugeesWelcome campaigns. For more information on how to get involved - please contact charlotte.butterick@staugustinescentrehalifax.org.uk

  5. Connect with Us - We'll be updating the community regularly through our newsletter regarding our needs, upcoming events and information about what we're doing to help. Please sign up here to make sure you don't miss a thing. We also encourage you to join us for a special screening of the film Limbo in partnership with Square Chapel, click here for more information.

We welcome your support in whatever shape it takes! Thank you again.