ALDI TUNSTALL

We help support Refugees and asylum who are applying to stay in the UK. Sanctus St Mark's is a support group for refugees and people who are seeking asylum in the UK. We aim to walk alongside people who find their way to us, from all around the world, in a non judgemental and safe environment. Some of the people we support are completely destitute and have no means of providing their own food. We work with our local foodbank and do our best to make sure that no-one goes home hungry. Everyone in need goes home with a bag of supplies, providing fresh vegetables and fruit whenever possible.

Our vision is to grow an abundant Fegg Hayes and surrounding area, growing a community of participants, not recipients. The majority of this work takes place at the Hub@ST6, a community facility opened in 2016, which we run. Many of the activities happening in the Hub are run by us, either alone or in partnership with other organisations and some by other organisations and community groups. The activities we run include parent and toddlers, bingo and lunch clubs, craft sessions, youth activities and holiday activities for children and families. We also host a range of other activities including dance classes, Mums support group and martial arts group. The Hub is used for celebrations like birthday parties and baby showers and we even have the local PCSOs using the building as a base when they are in the community. In an average week we have around 400 people using the Hub. During the pandemic we stepped up to lead the local community support team, where many people from across the area came together to support their community in various ways, including with shopping, dog walking, prescription collection and food parcels.

Since 1996, our charity has been dedicated to serving the communities of Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding areas. Over the years, we have established and supported a range of institutions and initiatives that benefit both the Muslim community and the wider public, with a strong focus on community cohesion, wellbeing, and social support. We have consistently contributed to and supported a number of respected charitable organisations and causes, including Douglas Macmillan Hospice, Age UK, British Heart Foundation, diabetes charities, cancer relief initiatives, and a variety of local community projects. Our work regularly includes support for the elderly, youth development programmes, sports initiatives, and health and wellbeing activities across the local area. We have recently established a new community food bank, which is expected to become fully operational within the coming weeks. As part of this initiative, we have invested in the development of appropriate storage facilities and food safety procedures to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and compliance. We are now officially registered with Stoke-on-Trent City Council for food safety and hygiene, and our volunteers have successfully completed accredited food safety training and certification. With an existing background and experience in food and catering services, we are fully familiar with the “Safer Food, Better Business” system and are implementing these standards throughout our operations. In addition to our local community services, we also provide support and guidance to residents in areas such as housing assistance, welfare and benefits support, and emergency aid. Our charitable activities extend both locally and internationally, including emergency appeals, humanitarian support, and collaborative fundraising efforts alongside other charities and organisations to help those most in need.