During the pandemic Claire* began befriending through the charity Refugee Council. She was paired with a lady who had a young child and would phone her regularly. At first Claire was unsure whether she was saying the right thing, or whether the lady wanted to talk to her, but this changed over time and Claire was later invited to the child’s birthday party. At the time of the Football Cup, Claire was challenged by her refugee for not wholeheartedly supporting the English team! Later one of the male refugees appeared on zoom proudly wearing an England top.
Claire has also been able to help with practical things, such as organising an emergency food parcel for the lady when she had Covid. She has attended an art therapy class and has been on walks in the countryside with refugees, building friendships and community. Claire is part of a wider church group which helps to meet specific practical requests. She sees herself as a ´small cog in a much bigger wheel´.
Claire would like others to recognise how capable refugees are, how they support each other and look for ways to give back. For example, one asylum seeker moved to Leeds began litter picking the same day he moved into hotel accommodation. Other refugees/asylum seekers volunteer to speak to newly arrived asylum seekers about what it is like to live in the UK. Many offer to help with English conversation and translation. Narratives around refugees can focus on either pity or hostility and these both need to be challenged!
Claire is inspired by Bible narratives. Jesus went out of his way, not just to include those ostracised by society, but to prioritise them and their needs.
How can people get involved?
- Befriending – this obviously requires a commitment, but support is given. For more information, check out the Refugee Council or LASSN
- Being part of a group responding to specific needs
- Increasing your own awareness of asylum issues and challenging your own perceptions. Then challenge the perceptions of those around you! Have a look at the Nationality and Borders Bill currently going through Parliament.
More information about supporting refugees in Leeds can be found here.
*name changed