AMURT is a grassroots disaster relief and community development network with established teams in 34 countries worldwide. We work with local communities to relieve the immediate suffering of those affected by disaster and crises and help them move on with their lives through longer term community development activities.

In the UK AMURT’s projects focus on feeding the homeless, food waste, healthy eating and support to refugees and asylum seekers. We have homeless feeding programmes in London and Liverpool, projects supporting vulnerable families, children and the elderly in London and the Food For All health food shop and herbal dispensary, a trading company that donates its profits back to AMURT UK.

AMURT UK partners with and fundraises for AMURT chapters internationally which respond to the specific needs and challenges of their local areas.

Guiding Principles

• Every human being has the right to meet his or her own fundamental needs such as nourishment, accommodation, medical care, clothing, and education. The resources of the earth should be used in a just and appropriate way to meet those needs.
• Every human being regardless of race, creed, gender, religion or social status is a dignified member of the human family and should be treated with understanding and respect.
• It is only by showing respect for women, and ensuring their integration and active participation in the development process, that a harmonious growth of the family, community, and society as a whole can be achieved.
• Development is a balanced process that maintains equilibrium between industry and the environment, urban and rural growth, human needs and available resources. Development should lessen the gap between the rich and poor and provide opportunities for all.
• Appropriate development begins within the social and cultural framework of each community. It enables underprivileged communities to gain a greater degree of independence to determine their own future.

Our Strengths

AMURT’s greatest strength is its wealth of human resources, particularly our dedicated local staff and experienced, life-long volunteers – many whom have sacrificed careers and material comfort to serve others.

All our chapters are renowned for their low over-heads and humble running costs, meaning at least 90% of donations go directly to service delivery.

Background

AMURT (Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team) is one of the few private international humanitarian organisations founded in India. It was founded in 1965 and its original objective was to help meet the needs of communities affected by disasters that regularly hit the Indian sub-continent. Over the years AMURT has established chapters and dynamic teams in thirty-four countries, to create a network that can meet disaster and development needs almost anywhere in the world. In 1985 AMURT broadened its goals to include long-term development and in 1986 AMURT UK chapter was founded. We feel that we can play a useful role in helping vulnerable communities break the cycle of poverty and gain greater control over their lives. For us, development is human exchange: people sharing wisdom, knowledge and experience to build a better world.