Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support

01752 265952

DCRS provides practical and emotional support to asylum seekers and refugees dispersed to the area

DCRS assists this vulnerable, isolated and diverse group of individuals, many of whom do not speak English. Through our walk-in centre, open weekdays, we help them access local services, integrate into the community, lead as fulfilling a life as possible and address practical issues relating to accommodation, health, benefits, fitness, education and all aspects of everday life. We support an estimated 800 Asylum Seekers and Refugees already in Plymouth with some 200-250 dispersed here each year

Why the community needs us

We support an estimated 600 Asylum Seekers and Refugees already in Plymouth with some 200-250 newly dispersed here each year. We have strong relationships with over 50 local organisations (many of which we refer to for specialist help), churches, community groups, the university, the police and individuals. As well as providing practical support we are central to the needs of the local community in supporting and integrating local asylum seekers and refugees to the benefit of the whole community

Our impact on the community

Each year there are more than 1000 service users visit the centre and many thousand practical issues are resolved. Hundreds of service users are referred to language lessons, other education and sports and fitness activities to reduce isolation and promote physical and mental well-being as well as to help integrate into the local community. An internet suite helps most service users access local culture and keep in touch with family/friends. Food and clothing is provided to the destitute

Volunteers needed

Volunteers are needed within our walk-in centre in central Plymouth to support our education and sports and fitness activities, assist our caseworkers, distribute food and clothing to the destitute, and to help asylum seekers get the most from our internet suite and walk-in centre.Volunteers must be personable, supportive in a busy and pressured environment and happy to provide from several hours upwards rota'd support each week and use their own initiative. Induction and training is provided

What your gift could provide

£5

Provide tea within walk-in centre for one day

£10

Provide basic food for one destitute asylum seeker for a week

£20

Provide direct caseworker costs to help one client for an hour

Fundraise for us!

Charity Information

Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support

Telephone: 01752 265952

Address: 7 Whimple Street, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2DH

Established in: 2000

Registered charity no.: 1130360