The D.A.R.E Project Darwen

The DARE project started in 2014 after a period of ten years when the housing of asylum dispersals reduced. We were again asked to go into partnership with the British Red Cross Refugee Service after new dispersals arrived in Darwen in autumn 2013.

Central’s Elders and members agreed that the number of Asylum Seekers being dispersed to Darwen had increased and needed our support and the numerous refugees who are given limited leave to remain or other status and need support to move on or integrate into the community.

We recruited volunteers from our partner churches and faith groups in Darwen, Victoria Street Mosque, RC, CoE, other URC members from far and wide and general volunteers with the skills we needed. Appeals in various church publications, websites and social media help us to recruit volunteers. The asylum seekers and refugees engage in volunteering and this has been an integral part of the ethos of empowering asylum seekers and refugees.

Most of our clients are from conflict areas of the world - Syria, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Sudan, Eritrea, Nigeria, Kuwait, Somalia, China, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Azerbaijan, Myanmar, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Albania, Namibia, Egypt, El Salvador and Ghana. 

We meet on Monday for Talk English and job searching. Wednesdays from 10am till 2pm where we hold an English club, Health checks and case work supporting clients, gaining solicitors, health appointments and offering a hot meal and hospitality. Each new client receives a gift of toiletries to welcome them to Darwen.