Along with other nations, the UK has a long history of receiving people fleeing from unsafe areas of the world – whether from conflict or starvation, as political exiles, those persecuted for their religious beliefs or sexual identity, or a myriad of other individual circumstances. An often traumatic journey does little to prepare them for life in an unfamiliar country. Claiming asylum is long and difficult, and can also be a confusing and sadly sometimes hostile process. We have over the past few years aimed to present a more human side to life in the UK and stand alongside asylum seekers and refugees, offering them support and welcome.
More than anything else, we wanted those who came to us for support to feel welcome, to find a safe space beyond the four walls of their accommodation, where they could meet with others like themselves as well as local people ready to give time and energy to help them find their feet here. Practical support has been expressed in many ways:
- Getting them registered with a GP, medical appointments and other health needs
- Provision of clothing, toiletries or other basic needs
- Help filling in any number of official forms
- Advice and signposting to local services
- Help with English, from informal conversation to more formal classes and specific help, e.g. with reading or pronunciation and enrolment in English courses at local colleges
- Help looking for employment for those with permission to work – now generally being allowed for jobs on the government shortage list
- Provision of bicycles – so valuable for local transport when they do not have the resources to pay for bus or taxis
- Trips out to local places of interest – the Walker Art Gallery and Liverpool Philharmonic Hall being recent destinations
- The provision of leisure activities – recently we have arranged tenpin bowling, bike rides and gym memberships to assist physical and mental health during this difficult time
But as much as the practical help, we found that it was the relationship with local people that was most significant – someone to be there to help them with the many issues they face as they navigated life in a new country, and simply be a friend to them.
The focal point of this support was our monthly drop-in, which took place on Friday afternoons, in the annexe at the Community Lives Matter centre at CLM church, Ormskirk. This involved conversation, coffee and biscuits, pool, table tennis and music – a space to call their own for that time, where they could mix with others in the same situation as themselves, as well as with local volunteers.
As the local situation for asylum seekers and refugees has significantly changed and we are not seeing the need there once was for this kind of support in Ormskirk, we are not currently providing a specific drop-in, but are delighted to be providing new opportunities for ALL adults to become involved in, including our new and exciting adult activity afternoons, our Fundraiser evening, and future events which are in the planning stages.
Please see our home page for new and exciting opportunities to become involved in the local community.