Therapeutic Horticulture, Photography Workshops, The Conversation Club, The Hip Hop Shakespeare Club and Dalston Destitution Monthly Music
‘Therapeutic Horticulture’ – Sheffield Allotment Project: Beth Robinson
Beth has studied therapeutic horticulture and has designed and is leading on a project that draws on Middle Eastern and African traditions of subsistence agriculture. The project develops a safe, inclusive space for Refugee Council clients and members of the wider refugee and asylum seeker community. The Award will go towards resources to facilitate the project, including a shelter, compost and water butt and developing a play area for children.
‘Photography Workshops’: Lea Endres and Aoife Doonan, London
Lea & Aoife want to use photography to tackle isolation and promote wellbeing among Refugee Council clients, allowing them to express themselves in a direct way that overcomes the language barrier. Initially the volunteers will run an introductory session where clients will be given disposable cameras to use. Following this, group trips to different places of interest will be organised, including trips to historical and touristic sites in central London, parks and to explore the neighbourhoods where clients live. All trips will be followed by a debrief session where clients will discuss their experience. They are hoping to organise a public exhibition at the end of the project to showcase the work of the clients.
‘The Conversation Club:’ Pat Durie, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
The Conversation Club is a popular class that runs weekly for over 20 refugees and asylum seekers in Barnsley, who come and practice their English language skills, play games and socialise. The Award will go towards bus passes for clients who have moved away from the area and are currently unable to attend the club. Pat also hopes to fund a trip for all members of the club to visit a place of local interest, which would incorporate English language learning activities.
‘Hip Hop Shakespeare Club’: Croydon Children’s Section Volunteers
This project is designed to encourage young people to develop new skills in performing arts by creating excitement around words and rhyming. The project will promote a positive experience of Shakespeare, music, literature and arts. Interactive sessions are designed to assist in building self-confidence and unlocking creative abilities. The workshops will be delivered throughout the summer holidays in partnership with the Hip Hop Shakespeare Company, with interpreters and volunteers to provide support.
‘Dalston Destitution Monthly Music’: Ruth Franks, London
Ruth visits clients at the destitution centre in Dalston once a month to entertain them with music and boost morale in the centre. She provides a sociable and relaxed atmosphere where clients can let their guard down and have fun. They have the opportunity to play music from their home countries and share their experiences. Ruth will use the Award to purchase an amplifier and microphone for the group so that there will be even more opportunities for clients to get involved in the sessions. She also wishes to attend a course in leadership skills for music, dealing particularly with refugees, which she hopes will further enhance the experience for her clients.