Northamptonshire Community Foundation Community Hero of the Week

Many sanctuary seekers have little or no income and struggle to afford basics such as warm clothing or transport, which can prevent them from accessing support, learning opportunities and community activities.

Northampton Town of Sanctuary are delivering a project that provides vouchers for winter clothing, and bus passes, to help remove these barriers. Access to warm clothing reduces health risks during cold weather and enables individuals to participate more fully in community life. Transport vouchers ensure that sanctuary seekers can travel to English classes, youth groups, advice sessions and community kitchens without worrying about the cost of getting there.

Through attending English classes, individuals gain vital language skills that support independence, employment and integration. Youth clubs and advice sessions offer emotional support, guidance and pathways into education or work, while the community kitchen provides a safe and welcoming space to cook, share meals and learn skills that reduce food insecurity. Together, these activities help to break cycles of isolation and disadvantage.

A £3,000 grant from the Poverty Hurts Appeal Fund, awarded via Northamptonshire Community Foundation, is supporting the delivery of this project. By addressing immediate needs such as clothing, transport and access to food, Northampton Town of Sanctuary are helping sanctuary seekers to build resilience, improve their wellbeing and create better long-term prospects for themselves and their families.

Northamptonshire Community Foundation is the county’s largest independent grant maker, having given more than £24 million in grants since its inception in 2001. Since the start of the 2024/25 financial year, The Foundation has awarded more than £1.3 million in grants. Their latest Impact Report is ready to read here.