How a Glasgow church used a £4000 grant to help refugees during the pandemic

Based in Sighthill, the organisation normally runs a variety of activities and services out of their church.

Jane Howitt, Minister of St Rollox Church and Chairperson of the Community Outreach Project said: "We have sewing classes, craft classes, English language classes and advice services.

"So, a whole range of activities that we run to help people to cope with what is a very difficult situation and can be a very isolating time in their lives.

"Through this work, we also come into contact with a number of families who are in the asylum system and who struggle to support their families."

Like many other establishments, SRCOP struggled when the pandemic worsened and people weren't allowed to gather.

Many of the people they help use English as a second or third language, which made communicating via text or email challenging.

After receiving a £4000 contribution from Foundation Scotland at the beginning of the year, the volunteers decided to give out cash grants directly to families in need.

Mrs Howitt added: "We decided this would be the simplest and most beneficial way to help because they knew best what they were needing and it also gave them a sense of autonomy.

"Asylum seekers and refugees, often everything is done to them or for them, so when they were given a small gift, it allowed them to choose how to use it."

SRCOP was one of the first organisations to have applied and received financial support from Foundation Scotland and distributed it at 'just the right time' as described by one of the families.

Another person, who prefers to stay anonymous said: "It's been amazing, a huge and true lifesaver. I rely heavily on food parcels and donations and I was relieved to know that I wasn't forgotten and left starved."

For many of some, the cash grant meant their children didn't go hungry without school meals and others were able to buy felt tip pens and paper to keep the youngsters busy during lockdown.

The grant ensured the temporary stability of more than 20 families in the North of Glasgow.

Mrs Hewitt said: "We are very grateful for the funding, it came just at a time when people were very much in need and when many people were scared and anxious.

"To have received a cash grant at that time told them people were thinking of them, but it also meant they could be slightly less anxious."

Since then, the St Rollox Church has reopened its doors for in-person crafts classes, sewing classes, English classes, financial and benefits advice.

On Tuesdays, they also provide food, toiletries and basic items for destitute asylum seekers and they encourage anyone in need of support to come along to 70, Funtainwell Road, Glasgow.