Who we are
SHARe Knowsley is a small local grassroot, charitable organisation that supports asylum seekers and refugees in Knowsley, giving practical, emotional and social support. We work with organisations in the area so that we can signpost our service users to access local services on offer, as well as offering information, advice and whatever support is needed. We feel that what we offer is very much a person-centred approach.
Established by a small group of like-minded people, in response to the worldwide refugee crisis in 2015, we became involved in local work the following year, as Knowsley Council had agreed to the dispersal of asylum seekers and the homing of refugees under the resettlement scheme to our borough. Living in an area with little cultural diversity and no existing ethnic communities for new arrivals to link with, we felt passionate that we should provide a welcome and supportive face to people already dealing with their own traumatic experiences. We offer support with trying to cope with the difficulties of living in an alien culture and environment on top of negotiating a complex asylum application process.
Since May 2016 when we began, we have been learning, adapting, changing and growing to meet the needs of this vulnerable and marginalised group, applying for charitable status towards the end of 2018 to allow us to increase our funding base. In response to the service users’ needs and suggestions as to how we could improve what we do, we evolved from providing a cup of tea and a friendly chat to our weekly drop-ins providing:
A safe space where asylum seekers can meet, engage in social activities with each other as well as local, vetted people and so build a network of supportive relationships.
Tea, coffee and snacks
Advice and support to help clients access local services and to familiarise newcomers with their local area. This often leads to further support appointments outside of the drop-in, especially when people receive a decision about their asylum claim.
Opportunity to purchase food basics including fresh produce, other essential items such as toiletries, second hand clothing and household goods etc at a nominal cost.
Celebrations/social activities throughout the year outside the usual drop-in. We celebrate a range of festivals and during the Summer, we offer trips out as well as barbecues and fun days.
Demand for our service has grown considerably over the past two years. We now support over 508 people a year.
SHARe Knowsley has become quite effective in advocating for the needs of our service users. We are a member of the Knowsley MAF for asylum seekers and refugees as well as the Merseyside Refugee Support Network. We are proud of the fact that not only do we receive referrals from other local organisations, but we now also receive referrals from the long-established British Red Cross Refugee Support service, which we feel is testament to the quality of service that we deliver.
Our Stories
Frankie’s Story
Name changed to protect client’s identity
Frankie first arrived in the UK in October 2023 and registered with SHARe Knowsley in December 2023. Since registering with SHARe Knowsley Frankie has been attending the Prescot Drop in on Monday mornings regularly, and the English classes on Friday mornings.
Frankie wanted to engage more with SHARe Knowsley, but was unsure how, wanted to make more friends and find ways to be out of the house more, for the benefit of her mental health.
Read more
Since joining the Women’s group, Frankie has improved her English skills, made new friends she speaks with regularly, has learned about English skills (knitting vs crocheting, also bracelet making) and plants and local fauna (English mint, as well as growing tomatoes, cucumber and peppers from seed with the group)
Frankie’s driving license became invalid (she was past the 12-month allowance of using an international driving license she held at the time) and has since applied for and passed for both her theory and practical test.
Frankie has also trained to be a SHARe volunteer and has been helping as a volunteer at the Prescot Drop Ins and supports at our cultural events, such as the Summer BBQ in Refugee Week.
Mo’s Story
Name changed to protect client’s identity
Mo first arrived at the UK in March 2016, the Home Office housed Mo in Glasgow for 5 months and he was then moved to Knowsley. Mo joined the Baptist church, which helped him find his way in Knowsley and later a SHARe Knowsley volunteer came to the SERCO house, explaining about SHARe’s coffee mornings.
Mo describes that this gave him hope he could find people from his culture and who spoke his language. He describes that SHARe helped him to access college and the wider community, as well as supporting him to understand UK culture.
Read more
After 8 months Mo received a positive decision on his asylum claim from the Home Office. Following this outcome Mo decided to move to London to “start his new life”. While in London Mo studied at Kingston College for 2 and a half years, completing ESOL courses. Mo then chose to study plumbing at Nescot College and applied to work as a plumber’s mate to gain experience. Following on from this Mo trained again on a refrigeration course and now proudly works as a Refrigeration and AC Engineer.
Our Policies
Safeguarding
SHARe is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. As an organisation we are fully committed to ensuring that consistent and effective safeguarding procedures are in place. Our staff and volunteers all undertake appropriate training and are DBS checked. SHARe’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedure is available on request.
If you have any concerns, please contact a SHARe marking your email “confidential” or contact your local social services team, or the Police by calling 101.
Privacy policy
SHARe is compliant with data protection (GDPR) and will always use data held on individuals respectfully. SHARe’s document retention policy is available on request.
Complaints policy
At Share Knowsley our aim is to serve all our staff, volunteers, clients and the local community to the best of our ability and to deal with them all in an open, honest and respectful way. However, if we ever fall short of our high standards then we need to know about it and these are the guidelines you should follow.
A complaint is any expression of dissatisfaction, whether justified or not, made by or on behalf of an individual or group, about the service delivery, staff behaviour, or any other aspect of SHARe Knowsley’s operations.
In the first instance, if the complaint is about a member of staff you should speak to their line manager. If the complaint is not resolved than the complaint will progress to the CEO. If he cannot resolve it then it will be taken to the Trustees
SHARe Knowsley is committed to handling complaints in the following way:
- Fairness: Every complaint will be considered impartially and dealt with in a fair manner.
- Transparency: The process for making and handling complaints will be clear and accessible.
- Confidentiality: Complaints will be handled confidentially, and information will only be shared with those necessary to resolve the issue.
- Timeliness: Complaints will be addressed as quickly as possible, within defined timeframes.
- Respect: SHARe Knowsley will treat all complainants with respect, ensuring they feel heard and valued.
Complaints can be made
- In writing: By letter to SHARe Knowsley, Old School House, St John’s Road, Huyton, Liverpool L36 0UX or email
- By phone: Directly to 07915 252300
- In person: By visiting the office or attending an event.
For further information a Complaints Handling Policy can be requested from the office.