Halifax MP Holly Lynch recently visited a local charity that is working to ensure that asylum seekers in the Halifax area are supported during the difficult transition to life in the UK.

St Augustine’s in Halifax aim to provide a welcoming community centre for anyone who needs help, advice or support. Many of those using their services are recent arrivals who are fleeing violence abroad. They receive help with problems such as asylum applications and housing.

In addition the centre provides somewhere they can relax and learn new skills with many activities on offer including guitar lessons, photography and first aid.

The charity operates on a very tight budget with many of the services provided by a team of volunteers.

Ms Lynch visited to learn more about their work and commented that she had heard “some harrowing but also inspirational stories” from people who had made long, and often dangerous journeys to reach the UK.

While much media attention is currently focused on the migrant crisis in Calais and the Mediterranean Ms Lynch stressed that we need to “see these people as more than just headlines”.

For more information on the work of St Augustine’s visit http://www.staugustinescentrehalifax.org.uk/about_us