Action Foundation’s Patron, the Bishop of Durham, the Right Revd Paul Butler, met our CEO, Duncan McAuley to record a special video message in support of our Gift of Words Appeal.

In the video, recorded in the grand surrounds of the library at Auckland Castle, Bishop Paul says:

“The Gift of Words is so important to every one of us and this Christmas there’s a real opportunity to offer the Gift of Words to asylum seekers and refugees who need to learn English.

“Imagine not be able to get on a bus and communicate, not being able to talk to your child’s teacher at school. That’s what the Gift of Words is all about. It’s about helping people learn English so that they can become fully part of our society and take their full place.”

Our CEO, Duncan McAuley, welcomed the positive response we’ve had so far to our Gift of Words campaign – more than £6,000 has been donated since the campaign launched on November 22.

“We’ve had a fantastic response already with people all over the UK contributing to make a difference in the lives of our learners. We’re so proud of the work our staff and volunteers do and are thrilled that so many want to support refugees adjust to life in the North East.”

Watch the video

Get involved in…

Carol Services

This weekend, City Church, which is based in CastleGate in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where Action Foundation has its HQ, holds it annual carol services. On Saturday (11 December) and Sunday (12) the doors open at 3.30pm for a 4pm start. The Felling Brass Band will be there and there’ll be mince pies and hot chocolate. City Church has kindly agreed to hold a collection for our Gift of Words Appeal, so if you see a member of our staff with a collection tin, do stop by and say hello.

Viv’s Technicolor Dream Quilt Raffle

Viv with her Technicolor Dream Quilt

There’s still time to take part in our supporter, Viv’s, Amazing Technicolor Dream Quilt raffle. The raffle draw is happening this coming Monday on December 13 so why not buy a ticket or tickets (at just £1 each) to be in with a chance of winning this fantastic patchwork?

Shopping for Good

Our friends at Art for Refugees are selling Christmas cards bearing the Action Foundation logo with profits being split between ourselves and fellow refugee charity, Choose Love. There are also lovely art prints for sale on their website. Since October, Art for Refugees has raised just under £850 for our charity alone, which will really make a difference to our beneficiaries.

Thank you to everyone who’s donated to Gift of Words so far. For details of how to give, please visit our Golden Giving page or to find out more about how you can run a fundraiser for friends or colleagues, head over to the Get Involved section on this website.