Stockport Race Equality Partnership's Purple Butterfly Fund

The Purple Butterfly Fund had been established by the Stockport Race Equality Partnership in response to the growing numbers of refugees, asylum seekers, and those with no access to public funds within the local community. As a grassroots initiative, the fund relied on the generosity of local people to support those in need, and every donation was gratefully received. One of the key drivers behind the initiative was a local woman named Amina, who had herself been forced to flee her home country and seek asylum in the UK. Amina had arrived in Stockport with nothing but the clothes on her back, and had initially struggled to find support and assistance as she navigated the complex asylum process. But despite the challenges she faced, Amina was determined to make a new life for herself and give back to the community that had welcomed her with open arms. And so, in collaboration with the Stockport Race Equality Partnership, she founded the Purple Butterfly Fund, named for the symbol of hope and freedom that butterflies represent. The fund quickly gained support from other members of the community, who recognized the importance of providing practical assistance and support to those who were struggling to make ends meet. Donations flooded in from local businesses, community groups, and individuals, all eager to make a difference in the lives of their fellow citizens. With the help of the Purple Butterfly Fund, refugees and asylum seekers were able to access vital support services such as legal advice, translation services, and counselling. The fund also provided emergency financial support for those facing sudden crises, such as homelessness or medical emergencies. As the months and years went by, the Purple Butterfly Fund continued to grow and expand, with new initiatives and programs being added all the time. One of the most popular programs was the community kitchen, which brought together people from all backgrounds to share food and stories in a welcoming, inclusive environment. The kitchen was run entirely by volunteers, who dedicated their time and energy to cooking nutritious and delicious meals for those in need. Many of the volunteers were refugees and asylum seekers themselves, who relished the opportunity to connect with others and show off their culinary skills. As the community kitchen became more popular, it began to attract attention from local media outlets and civic leaders. Soon, it was being hailed as a shining example of the kind of grassroots, community-led initiatives that could make a real difference in the lives of those who had been marginalized and excluded. The success of the Purple Butterfly Fund was due in large part to the tireless dedication of its founder, Aba Graham. Despite the challenges she had faced in her own life, she remained committed to helping others and empowering them to take control of their own futures. Over time, Aba became a beloved figure in the community, known for her wisdom, kindness, and unwavering optimism. People from all walks of life sought out her guidance and support, and she was always willing to lend a listening ear or a helping hand. In recognition of her contributions to the community, Aba was awarded a prestigious local award for her outstanding service and dedication. But for her, the true reward was seeing the lives of so many people transformed by the work of S-REP, EAICO, the Purple Butterfly Fund and many other initiatives. As she looked around the bustling community kitchen, filled with the sounds of laughter and conversation, Aba knew that she had found her true calling in life. And she vowed to continue working tirelessly to support the most vulnerable members of her community, for as long as she possibly could.