New Rochdale organisation set up to help asylum seekers and refugees

A special service to celebrate the work of religious and civic organisations for asylum seekers and refugees in the town will take place

A new organisation has been set up in Rochdale to help asylum seekers and refugees who find themselves destitute.

Rochdale Action with Destitute Asylum Seekers and Refugees, or RADAR, has been established by Reverend Mark Coleman, Vicar of St Chad's and St Mary's in the Baum churches, to help those on the streets.

With the help of the charity Caritas, local people from church and community have come together to ensure that there are fewer homeless in Rochdale. The Roman Catholic parish of St John the Baptist, near Rochdale Railway Station, is lending the old priest's house to be used as a hostel for those without the means of support.

Revd Coleman, chair of RADAR, said: "It's typical that Rochdale folk want to help those who have come on a long and dangerous journey, fleeing persecution and war, and work with them to make things better.

“We hope to make real difference together, so all can have a roof over their heads.

“It is a very generous gesture of the church to lend the presbytery to those in need, and we are also keen to involve members of the public.”

RADAR will work closely with the Red Cross, which runs the refugee hub at St Mary's in the Baum church, and other community and faith groups to improve life for the new residents.

A special service of celebration will be taking place at St Chad’s Church, Rochdale, on Sunday 16 June, organised by RADAR to celebrate the work of religious and civic organisations for asylum seekers and refugees in the town.

For more information about the service, please visit:

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/61540/celebrating-the-work-of-religious-and-civic-organisations-for-asylum-seekers-and-refugees-in-the-town

Anyone wishing to become involved with RADAR should contact Revd Coleman:

• Tel: 01706 632809      
• Email: hellomarkcoleman@gmail.com