At The Harbour Project we welcome and support refugees and asylum seekers in Swindon.
To those who’ve risked their lives, families and homes fleeing war and persecution, we provide friendship and hope for a future. With this purpose, we’ve been working tirelessly since the Kosovo crisis in 2000. Today, we’re aiding people from across the world, accompanying them through the UK asylum process, from day one in the town onwards.
We became a registered charity in 2003 and now have a small team of staff supported by an exceptional and enthusiastic body of volunteers.
Whilst our visitor volumes have grown and our range of activities has broadened, we remain an independent, non-political and non-religious organisation.
For some, our services are their lifeline. For many, we are their family. Together with our local community partners, we act to save vulnerable people from destitution and build awareness of people on the complex road to becoming a refugee.
Our advice service is open Monday – Friday 10am – 2pm. We welcome over a 100 visitors a day who come for support, advice practical help and a warm, safe space for social integration and classes.
ClassesWe run weekday English classes taught by a pool of qualified English tutors. Classes cater to varied levels of English and 121 sessions are available for those who cannot make regular classes due to work and/or college commitments. A mathematician volunteer also runs 121 Maths classes, which can vary from everyday Maths to A level.
Sharing Our World
At The Harbour Project, we strive to reduce social isolation, improve health and increase self-esteem. We run weekly cooking, sewing, art classes and a women’s group. These activities allow a safe space for asylum seekers and refugees to share their culture with likeminded people from around the world.
Steps2Work Harbour
An initiative to help asylum seekers and refugees learn about the UK work culture including; looking for a job, job requirements, creating a CV, preparing for an interview, punctuality, dress code and hygiene, work do’s and don’ts and finally mock interview session where they interviewed and given feedback from employers. Attendees of the course fed back that rather than nervous and unsure they now feel empowered, confident and prepared! ‘My first experience of facing UK work culture, I now feel more confident with real practice!’
Wellbeing and Health
Many of our visitors experience mental health issues that result from their experiences. To provide some support we offer ‘Free from Bad Memories’ free 121 counselling sessions ran by a trained psychotherapist. There is also ‘Breathing Space’ a weekly group that practices breathing exercises and relaxation. Lift psychology offer monthly workshops held at The Harbour Project to provide support and advice on troubles with sleep and managing stress.
