THE Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Angus Macpherson popped into The Harbour Project yesterday (fri) after the charity was awarded a grant of £3,000 from the PCC fund.

This latest boost will enable the Project, based at St Luke's Hall in Broad Street to continue helping refugees and asylum seekers in Swindon.

The number of people being supported by the project has increased from 90 to 200 over the last year.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Angus Macpherson said: “The Harbour Project is becoming better known and it’s something Swindon should be proud of.

“Refugees need the skills of understanding the way in which the country works, the way in which the benefits system works, the way in which housing works. This is a very good place to start learning about these, in a safe, supportive environment.”

David Rowlands, the Chair of Trustees at the Harbour Project said: “It’s terrific that we’ve received this grant. It enables us to continue funding staff, which means that we can continue to provide help to our visitors.

“Swindon is a town that the Home Office disperses asylum seekers to, so Swindon has a specific role in working with asylum seekers – we’re the only organisation in the town that does this, and what we do is provide a safe and social, welcoming space for people to come and meet, but we also deal with a whole range of issues affecting people.”

Anyone who wishes to find out more, or to help with volunteering, fundraising or donations can visit: http://harbourproject.org.uk/