Refugee charity that has helped thousands needs new home

The organisation's current lease ends on 1 July

A refugee charity that has supported more than 5,000 people says it urgently needs a new home.

Due to demand Aid Box Community (ABC) has outgrown its premises on Cheltenham Road in Bristol, where it provides multiple services.

The team had secured a new premises, but this fell through unexpectedly - meaning they currently have nowhere to go once their lease ends on 1 July.

Founded in 2015 in response to the global refugee crisis, the charity is now looking for a minimum three-year lease to continue its work.

ABC founder and director Imogen McIntosh said: “The need for our service is greater than ever. We are responding to more and more people every day and there is no sign of this slowing down.

“There have been times when people have had to queue outside and, as our service has evolved, we now need more physical space so people can connect and help our team work in a more suitable environment.”

The charity, which said it was "well-positioned" for a move to a bigger site having secured multi-year funding from lotteries and other trusts, has a budget of £45,000 a year and is looking for at least 3,000 square foot of space.

The charity says its work has grown as demand has increased

The team are hoping to find a premises outside Bristol's Clean Air Zone, while still being as central as possible, preferably north of the centre.

Imogen said: “We are a truly Bristol charity, made from the love, time and financial contributions of the people who live here.

"We really urge members of the community, businesses, and landlords to come forward with leads for consideration so we can move on to the next stage of our journey.”