About Us

We are excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Drop-in. One of Alyth’s core values is the belief in a Judaism that is utterly engaged with the world around us, both within the Jewish people and our wider community. Part of putting that into practice for the last 10 years has been our Refugee Drop-In. Having reached such a milestone is a huge achievement, and something that the whole community is proud of. The last two years have presented challenges to everyone, but the volunteers of the Drop-In adapted to work within the new reality in order that they could continue to support those who needed it. We look forward to what the next 10 years will hold for the Drop-In, and for the future wish them hazak, hazak, venitchazek – strength, strength, let us be strengthened!
Click here to read an article celebrating 10 years written by our volunteer Marilyn Grossman.

The Drop-in was founded in March 2012 with the aim of helping refugees integrate and to be ‘One community helping another’. Our clients are individuals who have been granted Leave to Remain in the UK. This follows on from other Drop-in initiatives which seek to address the acute and immediate needs of asylum seekers. At a time of social division, the volunteers of the Drop-in reach out across differences in faith, culture and nationality to ensure that a large and diverse group of refugees can feel welcome and nurtured in and beyond our synagogue building. The project is run by Debbie Rose and Cheryl Brodie, with the support of Rabbi Josh Levy. There are dedicated and long serving volunteers who run sections e.g. food, accounts, activities, welcome desk and registration.

The Drop-in does not deal with acute needs but supports refugees who have received their leave to remain having come through the asylum seeker process. However, many have huge difficulties establishing a safe secure living environment and income. Those who want work find it extremely difficult. As a result, many are isolated, stay in their homes or remain very much in small cliques. This project encourages connections and friendships across faiths as well as helping to broaden horizons.

We know that some of our refugees have suffered huge trauma in their home countries. Mostly they don’t speak of it, but it is shocking when they do. People do not flee family, community and abandon their livelihoods without good reason. We often witness the lasting effect of this trauma in terms of anxiety, trust, poor health and isolation.

Some clients have only recently received refugee status. Others received it up to 12 years ago.

We have also helped with individual requests on a discretionary basis. Help has included funding for training courses, providing books for study, donating household items, support with bringing family members to the UK, accessing work and volunteer opportunities.

Over the years we have become adept at assessing those who benefit from our help and redirecting others when appropriate.

We are proud of the multi-faith aspect of the Drop-in and that friendships have been formed across religions and countries. We are also proud that the feel of our project is ‘Together’. Together enjoying the choir, together enjoying Bingo, together going out for the day. Everyone involved in this project deepens their knowledge and engages in conversation with people who may be very different from themselves.

Our Response to Covid-19

During Covid-19 we transformed to a telephone Drop-in. A group of volunteers spoke to assigned refugees fortnightly. Our list was taken from the 60 top attenders. We gave £20 fortnightly to help with extra expenses and established a second fund for hardship. This fund gave extra food and dealt with emergency needs.  

As a result, volunteers have come to know the circumstances of the refugees in more depth. We know that the conversations have been hugely valued and that our clients span a large range of needs. 

As restrictions eased we have had outings to museums, picnics in parks and workshops to paint pots. These outings have reached out to alleviate loneliness and improve people’s mental well-being. It has also given everyone a chance to get to know each other better.

We help

Some of the help we’ve provided includes:

• Helping J over many years with considerable mentoring and support. Attended court with him to give evidence in support of an application for his wife to come to the UK.
• Referring P to the JCORE Doctors Mentoring Scheme and to Host Nation.
• Diverting a friend’s house clearance to H’s direction. Continuing support and mentoring.
• Providing support and mentoring to A regarding jobs and more recently ensuring he received  advice regarding his Leave To Remain extension and fee waiver advice.
• Giving advice to C regarding employment, arrears of council tax and the debt collection process.
• For P gave some practical support with a house move and providing white goods (with others).
• Researching N’s background to a claim for disability allowance for her daughter.
• Mentored JC over years who now works for Google