Celebra�ng Sanctuary in Southmead pics

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It was enlightening to actually sit and chat with them about these journeys. Their first hand stories have washed away what I thought I knew about the whole channel crossing scenario and have given me a genuine sense of empathy, coupled with admira�on for the courage of these desperate and determined young men.

They also showed me their Tik Tok videos, typically emblazoned with s�ckers and emojis - but not of the latest dance craze or pets doing tricks - these had a much deeper and serious perspec�ve. I saw videos of the desperate and hos�le situa�on in Calais, of anxious faces on a dingy packed like 50kg of luggage in a 40kg bag, faces of worry and panic as they hit turbulent waters midway across the channel, and of jubila�on when they spo�ed Stena Line ferries, and then the UK coastline. Then faces of absolute relief and a sense of final sanctuary. This moved me deeply - what an eye-opener - I had only been seeing half the picture on the news.

I have never before sensed such genuine gra�tude than from these young men who have had obstacles in front of them that few of us could ever relate to nor even fathom. They are humble, grateful, relieved, and clearly happy to be welcomed the way Bristol welcomes anybody and everybody. Shy and reserved at the beginning of the a�ernoon, it wasn't long before they were doing art and cra�s with local children, children with similar stories and journeys to theirs. I even managed to convince one of the lads to join me in the break dancing workshop, much to the obvious amusement of his fellow Sudanese journey-mates. What a fantas�c day!

One thing I learned was just how hugely significant the smallest gestures of acceptance and understanding can be, just to listen and not judge. I think you'd have to have a heart of stone to not want to offer sanctuary to anybody who's been through what these lads have.

The a�ernoon resonated with me deeply, and I will con�nue in my commitment to giving hope a chance for those who only have hope le�.

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Thank you to Mar�n for this insigh�ul piece, it really was a wonderful event to organise and to be part of and I’d like to thank everyone who came to join in and those who volunteered their �me to help out.It was our second partnership event with Bristol Refugee Fes�val who, in addi�on, held their last AGM and celebra�on at the Greenway Centre which many of you enjoyed.

These gatherings are bringing together the many cultures and communi�es in Southmead and North Bristol in a safe and welcoming community space. Some of those a�ending this �me were staying in local hotels and what was really special was the number of very newly arrived people who found their way to the event - some had only been in the country for 5 days! Many people had not been to the Greenway Centre before and did not know about the support and services we offer.

This event was bigger than last year’s and included drumming and dance workshops, and a delicious lunch with Sudanese donuts and hibiscus juice for pudding. Friendship bracelet making accompanied the Meadows to Meaders crew recording stories about friendship, including some quite emo�onal stories.

If you have ideas, want to find out more about community events, or would like to be a volunteer with us, please contact me.