On April 28th I will be running the 50 mile Butcombe Ultra Marathon around the Mendip Hills to raise money for Bristol Refugee Rights. This will certainly be a challenge... not least because I only signed up to the race two weeks ago! 6 weeks to train ... what could possibly go wrong!?
So why am I doing this? I started volunteering with Bristol Refugee Rights when I first moved to Bristol in 2010. Since then, I have moved between the reception desk and advocacy team and have seen first hand how the work of this organisation impacts lives and communities in Bristol.
The welcome centre is open 3 days a week to provide a space for asylum seekers and refugees to come and meet in an atmosphere of safety, trust and solidarity. Around 200 people come through the doors each week, to meet, eat, drink, talk, play games, learn English and computer skills, play music, get advice and information about the asylum process and even get their hair cut! Legal and health professionals also provide free drop-in services.
BRR makes a tangible difference to the lives and wellbeing of refugees and asylum seekers in Bristol, as well as encouraging friendships and partnerships across many Bristol communities. However, without funding, BRR cannot continue to provide these crucial services.
Funding may go towards:
- weekly shopping bags for members who are destitute (e.g. food and toiletries),
- travel passes for those with mobility and access issues,
- a crèche so parents can attend classes,
- the weekly Thursday lunch (which for some is their only hot meal all week)
- occasional educational and cultural trips.
These things can make a massive difference to people who have come to the UK seeking sanctuary but who are forced to live in isolation and destitution as a result of UK asylum policies.
No matter how small, all donations will be extremely gratefully received.
