During Refugee Week 2019 (17–23 June) people across the city celebrated the contribution that refugees & migrants have made and continue to make to Brighton & Hove. This year’s theme was ‘You, Me and Those Who Came Before’.
On Sunday 23rd, members of TDC’s Equalities and Inclusion team attended Sanctuary on Sea’s flagship Refugee Week event, Together. Largely organised by refugees and groups working with migrants the day included stalls, drumming workshops, poetry and book readings, film screenings, art installations, doll and puppet making, henna hand painting and games. There was delicious food from around the world, plus many more activities bringing people together.
TDC’s MESH case worker Cicely, tells us more:
“TDC partnered with Voices in Exile (ViE) this year to promote both our services, and particularly the shared MESH (Migrant ESOL Support Hub) project. We delivered a Clay Therapy Workshop (thank you, Penny, ViE volunteer) and an Interactive Mapping Task (thank you, Brighton Peace & Environment Centre for the loan of the lovely big cloth world map – pictured below). People were invited to write about their countries of origin, places, food, sounds and memories held dear, and attach them onto the map. The event was well attended by people from our refugee community and other local residents. The atmosphere was really warm and the activities were enjoyed by many, with opportunities to meet and chat, whilst being creative and sharing experiences. There were talks, music, lots of inspiring art activities, delicious food, and strong evidence of the growing connections between locals and refugees and migrants. The event reflected how Brighton really is a Sanctuary by the Sea, with lots of great organisations and individuals (including the Network of International Women, Hummingbird, Brighton Table Tennis Club) contributing to make refugees welcome here.”
