I haven't written much about Carriers of Hope (the wonderful charity I'm raising money for) in a while, so here's a bit about their main outreach, Circle of Friends.


Circle of friends is a gathering that usually happens every Tuesday (not currently because of COVID - there's other things instead that I'll write about another time) and it's awesome! Well over 100 refugees and asylum seekers come to Circle of Friends each week!

It's like a big free shop. There's a creche available and a nice breakfast (Greggs donate their surplus stock). Then in each room there are different things that can be helpful. There's a room for food, clothes, shoes, bedding, kitchenware, baby equipment. There's a lady (Dawn) who can take information for any furniture needed, there's interpreters available for newly arrived clients so that Carriers of Hope can find out exactly what they need.

Those who have been part of the service for a while are encouraged to volunteer, and there are currently over 40 volunteers who do just that. It's so lovely that the more experienced people help the new ones, despite still being vulnerable themselves.