Boaz Trust

New Year’s resolution to get fit?

Nigel Biggs — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:30:15 +0000

Why not run the Great Manchester Run on Sunday 16th May 2010 on behalf of the Boaz Trust. Raise awareness about the plight of destitute asylum seekers and vital funds for our life saving work. Places are filling up quick so you need to get in there fast! Please do drop us an email on office@boaztrust.org.uk or call us on 0161 202 1056 to register your interest. We would love your support.

Not in Manchester?

Nigel Biggs — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:57:15 +0000

The Boaz Trust have set up a network of other organisations providing accommodation to destitute asylum seekers across the UK called NACCOM (standing for No Accommodation). This is a fantastic way to share ideas and expertise, and to encourage one another. It is also a good way for people who are interested in setting something up in their own area to find out what is already being done and how they do it. On Saturday 30th January 2010 NACCOM will be holding its national conference in London. The conference will run from 11-5 at Praxis, Pott Street, London E2 0EF. Contact tatiana.tomayeva@praxis.org.uk for more details or to book in. You can download a flyer here.

To find details of projects near you check out the NACCOM page, drop us an email or call us on 0161 202 1056.

Big Coat Day at FC United

Nigel Biggs — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:50:55 +0000

On New Year’s Day the Boaz Trust will be at Bury’s stadium to benefit from FC United’s Big Coat Day. Fans will be asked to bring along their old winter coats, blankets, gloves, hats and scarves to be collected at the match and given to the homeless and destitute, including those cared for by the Boaz Trust. The celebrations begin at 2pm at Gigg Lane, Bury, followed by FC United of Manchester vs Osset Town at 3pm. Tickets cost £7.50 and can be purchased at the turnstiles. For further information on FC United please visit www.fc-utd.co.uk.

Changing Lives

Nigel Biggs — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:49:48 +0000

One of our residents took some time this week to describe the difference the Boaz Trust has made in her life:

“Before I came to Boaz Trust last year I was told to leave my NASS accommodation. I was sleeping on different friend’s sofas. Every week Boaz gave me a food parcel and they gave me a room with an English family in Manchester. They were a nice family and I lived there for two months. I stayed with them over Christmas and they gave me a gift. The Boaz Trust helped me to apply for Section 4 and I was given support again. I still come to volunteer at the church coffee shop every Tuesday and to see my friends at Boaz. I think Boaz is nice, I like it. The Boaz Trust helps people which is good.” Eden, Eritrea.

Christmas can be a lonely time for asylum seekers like Eden, who are often separated from their families and loved ones. We are constantly amazed by the generosity of our host families who welcome asylum seekers into their homes and include them in their Christmas celebrations. Several new hosts have come on board in the last few months which is fantastic – thank you so much! But there is still a need for more. If you are interested in offering your spare room to an asylum seeker for a few days, weeks or months, please do get in touch on office@boaztrust.org.uk or 0161 202 1056.

Christmas as a failed asylum seeker

Nigel Biggs — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:52:41 +0000

Check out this video on the ITN You Tube Channel to find out what Christmas is like for a refused asylum seeker:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUfVhaqW0xU

Boaz in Inspire Magazine!

Nigel Biggs — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:48:58 +0000

Check out Boaz in Inspire magazine:

http://www.inspiremagazine.org.uk/article.aspx?i=96&q=363

Changing Lives

Nigel Biggs — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:46:09 +0000

One of our clients describes the difference the Boaz Trust has made in his life:

“I came from my country to the UK to get help and protection from the government. But when I told them my story, they did not believe me. By that time I was very ill and I was in a very bad condition. They helped me for a while, after that they just kicked me out and I didn’t know where to go, what to do. I don’t have any relatives or friends, and I didn’t have money or anything at that time. After that I met the Boaz Trust. They are not only helping me by giving me food and shelter, but they help me with morale and with a lot of things. Before, I believed that in England the government is helping people and doing things, but I found the opposite. It is the British organisations that are helping. They are much better than everybody and I appreciate that and will remember that forever. I thank Boaz so much. Thank you for everything.” Faraj, Eritrea

Stories of Destitution

Nigel Biggs — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:17:17 +0000

Check out this video featuring Sofia, a refused asylum seeker from Zimbabwe and Boaz client. Unfortunately, stories like Sofia’s are all too common. Estimates suggest there are over 2000 destitute asylum seekers living in Manchester alone.

http://www.vimeo.com/7520311

Run for destitute asylum seekers

Nigel Biggs — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:16:08 +0000

Many asylum seekers run hundreds of miles to reach a port and flee persecution in their home countries. They come to the UK seeking sanctuary from the past, but their struggles do not end there, as many find themselves left destitute with no means of survival.

We won’t ask you to run hundreds of miles, but could you run 10km to raise vital funds for the work of the Boaz Trust? Help us to provide accommodation, food and support to the most marginalised people in our society.

If you are interested in running the Great Manchester 10k run on 16th May 2010 on behalf of the Boaz Trust, please do get in touch. Drop us an email on office@boaztrust.org.uk or call us on 0161 202 1056. We would love your support.

Campaigning opportunity

Nigel Biggs — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:59:37 +0000

Are you free on 4th November? Why not join Amnesty’s lobby of parliament calling for protection for all women in abusive relationships, regardless of their immigration status.

There is a free coach going down from Manchester.

Email norecourse@amnesty.org.uk or check out their website for more details.