Justice & Peace News
At the end of March a few of us attended a Zoom workshop about refugees and asylum seekers, led by Yuliia Bond of DPIA. Some of you may know of Yuliia, who was very active in the recent Caerphilly by-election, as an advocate for refugees in the area. We were joined by friends from Van Road too. The session was both informative and interesting and, beyond the facts and figures, we learnt something of the harsh realities of what it’s like to come to the UK to seek sanctuary as an asylum seeker or refugee.
For example, did you know that asylum seekers receive just £49 per week to live on? This has to cover everything. Their living conditions are dismal and families are often separated as they have no choice as to where they are sent to live. Moreover, they aren’t allowed to work while they wait for their claim for asylum to be processed. For some, this can take up to 10 years! But for most, the biggest issue they face relates to their mental health and, once they are granted refugee status, finding a job and somewhere to live.
There are over 120 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, 40% of whom are children. Most stay in their own country, such as is the current situation in Lebanon and Gaza, and many others will seek refuge in a neighbouring country. The UK houses fewer than 1/2 million people seeking refuge, representing approximately 0.5% of the UK total population and just 0.3% of the total number of forcibly displaced people across the world. Wales takes just 5% of this number.
We can help by continuing to provide a welcome, helping to create a sense of belonging and challenging those who want to spread misinformation and false news about refugees and asylum seekers who come to the UK to seek sanctuary.
Subject to sufficient interest, we are hoping to repeat the workshop after Easter by organising an in-person session with our friends at Van Road on 20 April at 7pm. If you are interested in attending please let Catherine know.
Community Events
The Park Ramblers meet at 10.15am every Monday outside B&M for a walk around our beautiful park followed by coffee at The Gatto Lounge. If any arrangements change, walkers will be notified by email of any changes. All are welcome to join at their own pace or just join for coffee around 11am. If the weather is very bad they may just go straight for coffee!! What could be better than having a lovely spring walk, a chat and a coffee to start the week off on a good note. 😊
Birthdays in April:
13th – Lee-Suan Teh
14th – Janice Harris
16th – Lynda Bull
18th – Julie Evans
23rd – Anne Coles
Easter cards are now available in Welsh and English. Please give Colleen plenty of notice if you would like her to make any personalised cards. Personalised cards are now £3.00.
Looking further ahead …..
Guild
There are no Guild meetings now until the Autumn session which starts in October. Full details will follow in September’s Newsletter.
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