Respected Coventry refugee charity to unveil new premises - The Coventry Observer

Respected Coventry refugee charity to unveil new premises

Coventry Editorial 23rd Mar, 2018 Updated: 26th Mar, 2018   0

A COVENTRY refugee charity will officially unveil its new premises with city figures in attendance.

Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre (CRMC) will announce the opening of its new home at Norton House on Wednesday March 28.

The charity’s dignitaries, partners and supporters from across the city will be in attendance for the celebration.

The Bishop of Coventry, the Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, The lord mayor of Coventry, councillor Tony Skipper and councillor Linda Bigham will all be delivering speeches about the move, before officially marking the charity’s relocation at the bespoke event.




The decision to move was part of a long term strategy that will help secure the future of CRMC, by providing the charity with stable accommodation and moving it closer to its client group.

Councillor Tony Skipper has been a key supporter of the charity during the past 12 months.


Last September he presented awards to refugees and migrants in the city for their volunteering and academic efforts.

He said: “Coventry has a conscience, echoing from its own experiences during World War Two.

“It is a very caring city, with a proud history of offering a welcome to those fleeing war and persecution.

“This move will ensure the charity continues to sit at the heart of this welcome for years to come, and it will be a real pleasure to be able to help them celebrate their official opening.”

The Bishop of Coventry played a key part in urging people to support the move when it was first announced last April. He said: “When the move was initially announced, Norton House had been derelict for a long time, and needed loads of work to make it usable again.

“The efforts by their staff, volunteers and supporters across Coventry and beyond to turn this run-down building into a place of hope and sanctuary for refugees and migrants in the city is incredible to see, and highlights our city’s great and generous tradition of offering peace and sanctuary to those that most need it.”

Toni Soni, centre director at the charity said: “Over the past year our wonderful staff and supporters have dedicated their time to building a home that is fit to welcome vulnerable newly people into the city, so that they can rebuild their lives and achieve their full potential.

“At times it has been extremely difficult, and I would like to thank the kindness and commitment of all those that have supported this move and made it possible. This will culminate in our official opening next Wednesday, and I am delighted that we will be able to share this moment with so many wonderful friends and partners from across the city.”

Following the official opening, staff and clients at the charity will be hosting an ‘Open Afternoon’ for the general public to find out more about CRMC, the services it offers and the people it works with.

The event will take place from 1pm – 3pm at Norton House, Bird Street, Coventry, CV1 5FX.

Entrance to the event is free, but please book a ticket via this link in advance: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-day-at-coventry-refugee-and-migrant-centre-tickets-44258090139.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Coventry Observer newspaper.

Recruitment

Find a career you'll love with our free career finder website.

Business Directory

From plumbers, to restaurants, we can provide you with all the info you need.

Subscribe

Receive a weekly update to your inbox by signing up to our weekly newsletter.