The Spirit of St Augustine’s
‘I’m 51 years on this planet and it’s the only work that’s made me feel completely useful.’
Maeve, Head of Support
Economic and political turmoil may have diverted attention from the refugee 'problem' but thousands of people remain in this country while their asylum cases are considered, many having undertaken perilous journeys to escape unthinkable situations.
This project is about the work of a centre in Halifax that brings compassion and practical help to this situation and celebrates the skills and aspirations of those who find themselves placed in the town. The St Augustine's Centre has 16 staff, 170 volunteers and a community of 650 individuals and families – ‘members’ – from 57 countries.
My intent is to provide an alternative to the too frequent images of desperate families clinging to inflatable boats or scenes that portray them as destitute victims. The photography has required sensitive collaboration with centre managers and the trust and consent of centre members. Even when permission was given to include individual faces, I often turned the camera to some other aspect of the person: Their contribution to a community meal; mis-matched boots for a football match or a hand gently holding a head for a haircut.
Sahand, a software engineer and trained photographer from Iran, suggested it can be these details that help to convey something about ‘the soul, the energy and the vibe of the place’. I hope so. The signs are that global migration will become an increasing feature of life in the 21st Century. St Augustine’s offers a glimpse of what is possible when we recognise our common humanity.
Gerard Liston, November 2022
‘They gave me some training in different areas and I became confident and I can speak with lots of people.’
Meklit
‘They are the centre for all the refugee and asylum seekers –even other people who are in need of help. It is the helping hand, I think.’
Karmand
‘It’s just so joyous. So many people come through the door and they walk out looking lighter, happier and having connected.’
Jess
‘To me, it’s like meeting a lot of people and having a lot of friends – and it’s open to anybody.’
Keith
‘Even if I’m not at home when I’m here, I feel like I’m at home because, regardless of culture, ethnicity or values, it’s like relating with people longer than I have actually known them.’ Obomate
‘This is not only a job for me. It gives me a passion that I can see every day – people who are stepping through the door at St Augustine’s Centre – I can see myself in them … I can see my journey in their eyes.’
Rabia
‘A couple of our group members – that’s basically what they get up and do every day – some sort of creative practice. That gives them self-fulfilment, self-worth and motivation and all those other things that keep us ticking long.’
Louisa
‘I just wanted to get involved and offer some skill that I can. I really enjoy it. I like meeting new people with all different languages. I love learning languages.’
David
Mayinot
‘Today, we are preparing chicken sauce, Nigerian Jollof Rice and plain rice with salad. Many people like Jollof Rice and we are happy to cook it for them.’
