Home for our Charity

Help us transform a former pharmacy in the heart of Darlington into a welcoming community hub where refugees and local residents can learn, share skills and build friendships.

Our fundraising target: £50,000

We have found a building in the centre of Darlington that we believe will be the perfect home for Darlington Assistance for Refugees (DAR). We have negotiated the rent and are now getting builders' quotes to work out the cost of refurbishment.

We want to turn this former pharmacy into Bridge Base — a place to belong, learn, share and grow together.

A place where everyone has something to offer

Starting a new life in another country can be difficult. Learning English, finding work, understanding unfamiliar systems and making friends can feel overwhelming.

Bridge Base will bring our support and activities together under one roof. Refugees will have opportunities to learn English, develop practical skills, share their culture and knowledge, volunteer and build confidence. Local residents will be welcome to join in, learn new skills and meet people from different backgrounds.

Our aim is for people to move from receiving support to sharing their own skills, leading activities and helping others. Everyone has something valuable to contribute.

What will happen at Bridge Base?

• English lessons to build confidence and help people communicate.

• A community kitchen where people can cook together, share recipes and learn about different cultures.

• Practical activities such as sewing, cooking and creative workshops.

• Advice and support to help refugees settle and live more independently.

• Volunteering and leadership opportunities for refugees to share their knowledge and help shape our work.

• Community activities that bring local residents and refugees together to build friendships and understanding.

These activities will help reduce isolation, develop skills and create a stronger, more connected community.

Help us transform the building

The former pharmacy needs significant refurbishment before it can become a safe, accessible and welcoming space. As it is a listed building, the work must respect its character.

Our estimated refurbishment cost is £50,000. The work will include:

• Removing pharmacy shelving to create flexible activity spaces.

• Installing an accessible toilet.

• Fitting a new kitchen.

• Installing suitable ventilation.

• Replacing the boiler and providing heating throughout.

We are obtaining builders' quotations to confirm the costs and plan the work.

How you can help

We need donations to help us reach our £50,000 target. Every contribution will bring us closer to opening the doors of Bridge Base.

We are also looking for businesses and skilled tradespeople who could donate materials, equipment, time or professional expertise. Builders, plumbers, electricians, heating engineers and kitchen specialists could all help make this project possible.

Whether you can offer money, materials or practical skills, your support will help turn an empty building into a place full of life and opportunity.

Building a stronger future together

Bridge Base will be more than a building. It will be a home for our work and a shared space where people can learn from one another, discover common ground and build lasting friendships.

At a time when the world can feel divided and uncertain, we want to show what is possible when people come together. Refugees will be valued for their skills and contributions, and local residents will have opportunities to build understanding and connections across cultures.

We have found the building and negotiated the rent. Now we need your help to make it ready for the community.

Please help us raise £50,000 to build Bridge Base. Together, we can create a place of hope, opportunity and belonging in Darlington.

Supporting refugees, strengthening communities.