At FODI, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to thrive.
That’s why we help asylum-seekers and refugees in Sunderland find their way in the community, whether it’s through the charity’s programs or just by being part of something bigger than themselves.
We see people who have been forced to flee their homes and are living in limbo, without support or a place to call home. We want to give them a chance to be active members of their communities again—and better yet, we want to do it together!
FODI is a not-for-profit charity that provides funding for projects that improve the lives of asylum seekers and refugees in Sunderland by providing access to community resources and opportunities.
FODI aims to improve the mental health and well-being of the asylum-seeking and refugee community of Sunderland. In doing so we hope to lessen their social isolation and promote their integration into the wider community, by supporting and extending the activities of the Drop-In. FODI has no religious affiliations. All asylum seekers and refugees are welcome.
The FODI Drop-In acts as the hub of our community and provides support. I is run every Wednesday from 12 – 3pm at St Mary’s Parish Hall, 28- 29 Bridge st, Sunderland, SR1 1TQ. Please contact us before dropping in.
Drop In Facilities
The Drop- In provides a safe and friendly environment for asylum seekers and refugees to:
- Chat over a cup of tea, socialise, make friends and play games including pool, table tennis and dominoes
- Have access to the internet for email, skype and other essentials
- Register for tickets to see Sunderland AFC ( when available)
- Register for our free gym/swim scheme and find out about other sporting opportunities
- Learn about free English classes run by Action Language and Chris Howson at the Interfaith Centre
- Get free haircuts from barbering students at Sunderland College
- Register for free trips to places of local interest
- Receive donated clothes, food, toiletries etc (when available)
- Get a hot meal cooked by our members every 2 weeks in the winter months and snacks & fruit all year round
- Register for a donated bicycle (when available)
Drop In Support
The Drop- In is also attended and supported by many other partner agencies, so asylum-seekers and refugees can access:
- Legal advice from Newcastle Law Centre and Brar &Â Co.
- Advice on health and well-being from the ‘Live Life Well’ team and stop smoking from ICOS
- The British Red Cross who help some people with their cases and operate a tracing service for those who have lost touch with their families
- The Tyne and Wear Fire service for advice on fire prevention
- Help in contacting housing services and be referred to supported housing through Action Foundation
- Support from FODI volunteers to help resolve some of the day-to-day problems experienced by asylum seekers and refugees
- Advice from the community engagement officer at Northumbria Police
- Advice from MESMAC in Newcastle, which supports our LGBT members
Women’s Group
The FODI Women’s Group is a great success with activities involving cooking, crafts and dancing to build a sense of mutal support, self-esteem and community amongst women.
Our Women’s Group meets every Friday moring between 10am to 12:30pm at Trinity Church, Stockton Road, SR2 7AQ
If you would like to be involved in the Women’s Group please contact us.
