Renew Stockport / Loaves and Fishes - Stockport

The relief of those in need, by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage in Stockport and the surrounding areas through the provision of providing free meals, shelter, warmth, companionship and signposting to other support services.

The relief of persons suffering from drug or alcohol abuse or similar problems and refugees and those seeking asylum by providing therapy in connection therewith or by sharing with them the Christian faith, principles and values and advancing their education so as to better enable them to cope with the business of life and promote their mental and physical rehabilitation and the relief of unemployment by the provision of vocational and skills training, advice and support.

Support for mental health including self-support groups, reduce stress courses and one to one support delivered by a trained mental health nurse. Behnam is the first point of contact when Iranian asylum seekers arrive in Stockport and he is contacted by the local authority, Stockport Homes, Job Centre, local churches etc. He will have an initial meeting with them to assess their needs and then will signpost them to the relevant support services.

Run a twice weekly workshop for female asylum seekers to learn how to sew using sewing machines. The main aim of the group is to prevent social isolation and mental health issues and create community.

Works closely with Stockport Homes to help asylum seekers / refugees navigate the housing system. Also supports refugees with employment advice, housing advice, benefit advice and translation services.

Works closely with another charity ‘The Olive Branch’ which offers mental health and well-being support plus opportunities for volunteering.