Call: 0121 472 8000 • email: info@westhillendowment.org
Dear God...
“The ocean is like God and raindrops are the religion. When they fall into the ocean they become one.”
Zoya Ahmed and Nurun Uddin
 

Mustard Tree


Connected Communities 



Developed by Church volunteers and inspired by the Parable of the Mustard Seed, since 1994 we demonstrate that great achievements can result from the smallest of beginnings. We are a faith-based charity offering sanctuary denied opportunities elsewhere. We communicate the Christian gospel in our actions - bringing justice to the disadvantaged.

 

Asylum seekers and refugees are particularly vulnerable They are disproportionately housed in deprived areas, and they are socially excluded with little to no support network. Furthermore, it is extremely difficult to navigate the complex UK bureaucracy, on a practical and emotional level, for those who do not speak English.

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Navigating an unknown system, in an unknown language, in an unknown land, is a traumatic experience; only adding to the trauma already experienced by many people coming to us, who may have experienced torture, trafficking and war.

Mustard Tree is a beacon of hope for people who may not feel welcome elsewhere. For people lacking social interactions and aspirations, our hub in central Manchester is an opportunity to learn, build friendships and social networks in a safe, aspirational space.

Our twice-weekly ESOL classes will enable 120 socially excluded asylum seekers and refugees to develop their English skills in a safe space. People will improve their sense of belonging, ability to integrate and ability to navigate the complex UK bureaucracy for asylum cases. They will improve their employment prospects - vital because if somebody is granted the right to remain and work in the UK their monetary support ceases 28 days later.

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Learners combine classroom activities with a free lunchtime meal, which aids concentration and enables people struggling to make ends meet to eat fresh, high quality food which they might not otherwise be able to afford.

Crucially, because our services are open to people of all faiths and backgrounds, asylum seekers and refugees can use this opportunity to build positive social connections over lunch with mainly British-born people accessing other Mustard Tree activities.

Unlike other services catering to a particular need, the project helps break down stigma and barriers by promoting dialogue between people of diverse backgrounds and faiths.

There are lots of ways you can get involved at Mustard Tree. For example:

  • Donating money to keep our activities running
  • Donating goods, furniture and food
  • Fundraising for the charity
  • Giving your time to help enrich our classes

For more information about how you can get involved please head to  www.mustardtree.org.uk/support-us or call 0161 850 2282

Case Study

Before starting I also had a bad impression of asylum seekers. In prison, people only grouped together with those that were the same and I was influenced by everything I’d read in the newspapers. Since joining I’ve made friends with them though and learnt about what they’ve been through. They’re nice guys. They’re people I’d defend.”

 

Read more about Mooch’s story here

 


For more more information:
Tel: 0161 850 2282
Web: http://www.mustardtree.org.uk/