BRASS is an organisation set up to befriend refugees and asylum seekers. It is housed in dedicated rooms in the Methodist Mission, in Bolton town centre. Here those seeking sanctuary are given a safe haven, on a temporary basis. According to BRASS, “a refugee is someone, who, owing to a well founded fear of being persecuted, is outside his country of origin and is unable, or, owing to such fear, unwilling, to avail himself of the protection of that country. Reasons for this include: Race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. Those seeking protection in the UK are called ‘asylum seekers’”.
BRASS offers a drop-in centre, classes including ESOL, sports and social activities, immigration advice and an employment desk.
The Vincentian Volunteer gives two days a week to BRASS, offering support and practical help in whatever way he/she can. Many of the people who come are at a disadvantage if they cannot speak English, so it is always helpful to have a volunteer who knows another language. Our volunteer can share in the other classes too doing creative work, or computer studies, or helping with the language studies. Sometimes just seeing a friendly face is all that matters! Once a week BRASS offers support to refused asylum seekers, who are really destitute, and here they are given basic food and toiletries. Being with the people who come to BRASS can be a very humbling experience for the volunteer who enters a world where there is so little security for the person, and where perhaps the greatest gift they can offer is friendly smile and an attitude of respect. The volunteer is given supervision and an opportunity to learn new skills.
www.brass.bolton.org.uk