Support, Supplies, and Sanctuary for Refugees and People Seeking Asylum in Bristol
Welcome to Aid Box Community
Aid Box Community (ABC) is a Bristol-based humanitarian organisation set up by a group of ordinary people in response to the continuing refugee crisis.
We support asylum seekers and refugees with a free shop & welcome hub, activity groups, signposting advice, a crisis fund and a befriending service.
Our urgent appeal to find a new home
We urgently need a new home to continue our work supporting thousands of refugees and people seeking asylum in Bristol. Due to the level of demand for the Free Shop & Welcome Hub, where we provide a choice of free, quality items for those in need, we have outgrown current premises on Cheltenham Rd.
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.
A parent recently said that being able to access the free shop “change[s] me and my son’s daily life, making where we live feel more like home”.
Property Specifics:
Size: Minimum 3000 Square Foot / 278 Square Meter
Cost: Up to £45k per year
Rental: 3-year lease minimum
Location: Not within the Clean Air Zone (CAZ), as central as possible, near bus routes, preferably north of the city centre.
Type of Building: Anything considered
Must Have: Minimum 1 parking space, pull-in space for donation drop-off, all amenities, both front and back access
Ideally: Outdoor space, shop front, 2+ parking spaces
Our Vision
is that the rights of refugees and those seeking asylum are respected so that they have the opportunity to achieve financial and emotional independence.
Our Mission
is to provide a warm welcome to people seeking asylum in Bristol and to offer the support they need to access living essentials, emotional support, recreation, shelter, community, legal advice, health care and employment.
Our Values
are to welcome all displaced people regardless of their faith, race, ethnicity, culture, age, disability, gender and sexuality. Treat everyone with respect, compassion and love and seek to offer hope, advocacy and a space to belong.
“I found ABC as an institution that was changing a way of life from fear, misery, unknown to finding a new path in life. […] It gives inspiration to a lost group of neglected, persecuted, and traumatised people. ABC is the perfect mediator bridging the gap between known & unknown.”
— R, Service User
Our Services
We welcome people of every religion, race and ability with no judgment. We expect everyone to be kind to each other, while respecting personal space. We hope you enjoy being part of this loving community.
WE ARE CLOSED WEDNESDAY 10th of APRIL FOR URGENT REPAIRS!
Where people can choose with dignity free quality items donated by the public - from clothing, toiletries, and toys, to household and electrical items.
Open Monday - Friday, from 10.30am - 3.30pm.
Our activity groups provide a space for sharing skills, learning, laughing, and chatting - a time for people to take care of their wellbeing, meet friends and feel belonging.
We also organise several day trips & weekend retreats that run throughout the year.
A befriending programme connecting people to alleviate isolation and grow friendship. The 10-week program puts in touch local volunteers with our community of people settling in Bristol for friendship and support.
“So, this is really our place, it’s our house, it’s a way really, we feel that we are human.”
— Norbert, Service User