Campaigns group

The Campaigns Action Group meets regularly or coordinates action via its WhatsApp group. In particular campaigning for more refugees to be taken into the UK especially unaccompanied children. It also works with our MP, Safe Passage, Citizens UK and other national charities and volunteer groups on refugee issues and joint projects. The group were heavily involved in opposing the new Borders Bill and lobbied for amendments. Campaigns around this are ongoing, and any volunteer support would be much appreciated to add to our voice.

Language Support group

Informal English practice classes have been delivered by a fantastic team of volunteers as and when needed over the years. Group classes have allowed those volunteers with previous ESOL training or experience to lead each session up-the-front, and then have the help of other volunteers to consolidate the learning with prepared worksheets in smaller groups.

If you need help practising English then please contact us and we will try to help or signpost you to established local English practice support or formal ESOL classes.

Education group

This group aims to raise awareness around displaced people groups and the plight of refugees through interactive displays at events, performances and workshops. The Education team contact local schools and offer workshops/assemblies using an established lesson plan. Usually 2-3 volunteers attend each time - with 1 of these being experienced in leading the sessions and an assistant. If you are interested in assisting and have some experience of teaching (formal or informal), please fill in the form on the volunteer for us page.

Stafford: Town of Sanctuary group

This group is linked with the national organisation City of Sanctuary UK whose aim is to build a movement of welcome across the UK. From community groups to councils, schools to libraries, this action group encourages local Stafford organisations to join the vibrant City of Sanctuary network and provide support, dignity and welcome to refugees and people seeking sanctuary. In Stafford St Austin’s Catholic church became an official Church of Sanctuary in 2021 and was presented with an award by our then MP Theo Clarke. Since then the Quakers and Rising Brook Community church have also become a "Church of Sanctuary". Several other organisations are looking into the process. If you are part of an organisation and would like to hear more about achieving this recognised status, please get in contact with us.

Please note, we are members of Support Staffordshire and SCVYS who provide support and training opportunities to our volunteers.