Mary Thompson Fund
Founded in 2001, the Mary Thompson Fund is a hardship fund responding to the critical and emergency needs of those who are seeking sanctuary or are settled refugees in the Tees Valley.
Dedicated to the memory of Mary Thompson, we rely on the generous support of individuals and groups in the North East of England to deliver crucial services to some of the most vulnerable people living in the UK.
About The Mary Thompson Fund
The Mary Thompson Fund was set up in 2001, to respond to the critical and urgent needs of those who are seeking sanctuary or are settled refugees in the Tees Valley.
The Mary Thompson Fund was originally intended to improve the quality of life of refugees by giving grants to meet the costs of study, winter clothes or travelling to visit relatives. However, as Immigration Policy became more draconian and people experienced increasing hardship, the main purpose of the Fund today is to alleviate destitution. We support those with nowhere else to turn, helping them with emergency food packs and cash payments, expenses incurred in pursuit of their asylum claims (travel to appointments, obtaining evidence), maternity wear and baby needs, ‘phone cards, medical expenses and the cost of activities for children to avoid stigma and social isolation. Help is provided when no other sources of assistance are available. Often people come to us when they are in crisis, usually when their asylum claims have been refused and they lose their entitlement to support, even though they may be unable to return to their country of origin. People seeking asylum are not allowed to work or claim benefits, so many are forced to live rough.
Services
Financial Assistance
We offer financial aid to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, helping them to meet their basic needs and regain stability in their lives. This is in the form of either: one-off hardship payments or regular support through money, food and toiletries given at our monthly drop-ins.
Community Support
Helping Middlesbrough food banks during the pandemic and beyond. We were able to help our friends experiencing hardship thanks to the generosity of our supporters. We hold monthly drop-ins at various locations across the North-East of England.
Providing Individual Support
We offer support and guidance to individuals and families facing challenges, helping them to navigate difficult situations and find hope. For example, we can support families through school uniform grants to help towards this expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
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