FODI aims to improve the mental health and well-being of the asylum-seeking and refugee community of Sunderland.
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 pool, table tennis, dominoes etc
- 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 FODI volunteer Jim at the central library 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 etc all year round
- register for a donated bicycle ( when available)
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 & 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
- MESMAC in Newcastle ,which supports our LGBT members