National Refugee Week celebrates the skills and diversity refugees bring to the UK, whilst seeking to change the perception of refugees and asylums seekers.
Stonepillow operates two hostels and multiple supported accommodations for Young Asylum Seekers - young people aged 16-18, who have come to the UK from some of the most harrowing situations imaginable in hope of shelter, support and the opportunity to live a normal life.
When they arrive in the UK they are scared, lonely and often in immediate danger from trafficking and child slavery. They can’t speak the language have no money and don’t know who to turn to. This is where Stonepillow steps in, providing protection, access to education, support and most importantly safe accommodation.
Although in most cases it will take a number of years to assess their claims for asylum the support Stonepillow provides offers the stability required to help the young people re-build their lives and start to cope with the horrific experiences that led to them coming to the UK.
"Refugee Week is a celebration of the diverse contribution of refugees to our society, and a week with an important role to play in fostering greater understanding between all of our communities. It is also a time when all those who continue to live in fear of persecution are at the forefront of our minds, and I know that Britain will continue to offer a safe haven to people fleeing desperate situations in the years to come.”
Prime Minister Gordon Brown
Dozens of events are being run by local organisations in support of National Refugee Week. Events being attended by Stonepillow young people include, a Theatre Workshop, the Bandbazi Circus, a Sports Day, a joint event with the local Youth Council and a film night at a local library.
Stonepillow Senior Project Worker, Lisa Dawkins said, “Refugee week is such an important event and does so much to change misconceptions and increase awareness of the issues asylum seekers face. We’re delighted that our young people have again this year been able to take part in some of the activities and are already seeing the positive affect these activities are having on them and the other young people they meet”.
Stonepillow operates two hostels and multiple supported accommodations for Young Asylum Seekers - young people aged 16-18, who have come to the UK from some of the most harrowing situations imaginable in hope of shelter, support and the opportunity to live a normal life.
When they arrive in the UK they are scared, lonely and often in immediate danger from trafficking and child slavery. They can’t speak the language have no money and don’t know who to turn to. This is where Stonepillow steps in, providing protection, access to education, support and most importantly safe accommodation.
Although in most cases it will take a number of years to assess their claims for asylum the support Stonepillow provides offers the stability required to help the young people re-build their lives and start to cope with the horrific experiences that led to them coming to the UK.
"Refugee Week is a celebration of the diverse contribution of refugees to our society, and a week with an important role to play in fostering greater understanding between all of our communities. It is also a time when all those who continue to live in fear of persecution are at the forefront of our minds, and I know that Britain will continue to offer a safe haven to people fleeing desperate situations in the years to come.”
Prime Minister Gordon Brown
Dozens of events are being run by local organisations in support of National Refugee Week. Events being attended by Stonepillow young people include, a Theatre Workshop, the Bandbazi Circus, a Sports Day, a joint event with the local Youth Council and a film night at a local library.
Stonepillow Senior Project Worker, Lisa Dawkins said, “Refugee week is such an important event and does so much to change misconceptions and increase awareness of the issues asylum seekers face. We’re delighted that our young people have again this year been able to take part in some of the activities and are already seeing the positive affect these activities are having on them and the other young people they meet”.
