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. Our mission is to provide a warm welcome to people seeking asylum and offer the support they need to access living essentials, emotional support, recreation, shelter, community, legal advice, health care and employment. Our services include a free shop & welcome hub, activity groups, signposting advice, a crisis fund and a befriending service.

Why We Exist

The UK is home to around 230,000 refugees, making up just 0.5% of the population. Most have fled war, persecution, poverty, or climate disasters—but arrival doesn’t mean safety.

In the UK, asylum seekers face long waits (often over a year) for decisions, during which they’re banned from working and survive on just £7 a day. Around 30% live in hotels with poor conditions. Many suffer from PTSD, depression, isolation, and discrimination. Even those granted asylum often face homelessness and destitution due to sudden withdrawal of support.

Aid Box Community steps in where systems fall short. In the past year, we’ve supported over 4000 individuals and families in Bristol, with a team of 12 part-time staff, 356 volunteers, and 10 trustees —offering compassion, dignity, and practical help to rebuild lives.