We need your help! It takes a community to take action against the Nationality and Borders Bill The government is planning to introduce new rules to define how our country treats refugees – in a more hostile way. St Augustine's stand in solidarity with our partners in calling the Nationality and Borders Bill the Anti-Refugee Bill, as this is the clear message of its content. The Bill contradicts to the Government's purported aim of “increasing the fairness and efficiency of our asylum system”. Despite their stated intent, the Bill and their New Plan for Immigration consultation which preceded it [...]

This October, it's more important than ever to show that Calderdale stands with refugees and those seeking asylum. We are coming together with the Orange Box young people’s centre and Project Challenge to celebrate people seeking sanctuary at an event at the Orange Box on Tuesday 19th October. This event is in support of the #TogetherWithRefugees ‘Orange Heart’ campaign – which aims to show messages of welcome to refugees (and people seeking asylum) with orange hearts. As part of this event, we want to fill the Orange Box foyer with orange hearts containing messages of welcome. You can help [...]

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 [...]

Healthy Holidays Club With St Augustine’s Centre and Together We Grow A free summer programme for children aged 5 – 16 from families who are seeking asylum or with refugee status. 10th August – 3rd September All dates are now fully booked except for the following: Thursday, September 2 10AM - 3:30PM Todmorden Adventures Take a guided walk along the ‘Green Route’ and meet the Mayor of Todmorden! Lunch at the Kindness Café Arts and Crafts, lego building Meet at St Augustine’s Centre - transport from Halifax provided.   Please contact Katrina at 07973 444875 to book your place. Our Programme Thursday, [...]

Following the proposals set out in the government’s New Plan for Immigration, published back in March alongside the consultation that we (and you as individuals contributed to), this week the 'Nationality and Borders Bill' (or more correctly named 'Anti-Refugee Bill by the sector) was introduced to Parliament. It was debated on Monday and Tuesday and passed its second reading with 366 MPs voting in favour and 265 voting against. But there are still many months of discussion ahead before it becomes law… There is no doubt that this is an intentionally provocative and dehumanising law that will see [...]

St Augustine's Centre is a charity that offers a warm welcome and safe space to people seeking support and sanctuary here in Calderdale; together we share food, stories and build relationships. We offer specialist advice on immigration and asylum support, and one to one support with welfare, housing, health and access to wider services. We provide hot meals, English classes, training, cultural, social and wellbeing activities, trips and volunteering opportunities. We build awareness about human rights, campaigning locally and nationally. We began in 1968 as a Church playgroup and in 2009 became an independent charity, continually evolving and [...]