This Week in the UK: Stepping up for refugees and stitching NHS scrubs

An art exhibition moves online, and swapping swimming for running. This week we look at how our supporters have adapted their fundraising, and profile some of the individuals sharing their skills.

24 April 2020

Linda Combi's exhibition 'The Last Gardener of Aleppo' tells the story of Abu Waad. Originally on display in York, the images have moved online due to coronavirus constrictions.

Linda Combi's exhibition 'The Last Gardener of Aleppo' tells the story of Abu Waad. Originally on display in York, the images have moved online due to coronavirus constrictions.   © Linda Combi

As the UK enters its fourth week of life in lockdown, people around the country are continuing to mobilise to help the vulnerable in their community, including refugees and asylum seekers.

Each week we are highlighting some of the inspiring work being done by individuals and community groups across the country and suggesting ways in which the public can get involved to help. This week, we will also be including some of the fantastic fundraising efforts undertaken by our supporters.

UNHCR supporter goes the extra mile   

People around the world are having to adjust and adapt their plans. For James Overton, a dedicated UNHCR fundraiser, this meant cancelling a fundraising swim from Cornwall to the Isles of Scilly. 

Not one to be deterred by the virus, he is now aiming to complete 16,666 steps a day in April. That would give him a total of 500,000 steps this month. He plans to complete the challenge wearing a 10kg vest, to carry on raising funds to help protect refugees.

 

We are so grateful to his ongoing support, and applaud his efforts to continue training and fundraising despite the circumstances. Keep sending us those beautiful Cornish scenes! 

You can donate to his fundraising efforts.

Linda Combi’s ‘Last Gardener of Aleppo’ exhibition moves online  

The ‘Last Gardener of Aleppo’ tells the story of Abu Waad, a man who brought joy to many before he was sadly killed during a bombing of his house and garden. 

 

The exhibition, which is raising money for UNHCR’s work protecting Syrian refugees, is now online, meaning people up and down the UK can see Linda Combi’s work and learn about the life of Abu Waad. 

View the exhibition on Linda Combi’s website.

Over 1,000 volunteer in Devon  

Residents of Devon have demonstrated their willingness to lend a hand during this trying time, with a total of 1,300 individuals coming forward to volunteer to look after some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.  

 

Volunteers ranged in age from 16 to 65 -- some have no health or care experience and others are former healthcare professionals -- to support a variety of people in need during the pandemic. 

St Andrews students raise money for local causes

Classes may be on hold, but that hasn’t stopped University of St Andrews students. In a number of ways, students have been stepping up for the community.  

As students left to head home, the ‘St Can-drews' society collected 5000 items, which were then donated to the Storehouse foodbank. 

 

Refugee Action St Andrews (RASA) has been collecting clothes, bedding and other essential items donated by people across the town. These have been delivered to asylum seekers in Calais, and the Student’s Assocation Sabbatical Officers have been using the online streaming platform Twitch to raise money for the Tayside Health Fund and the National Emergencies Trust. They have raised £1155 so far. 

Refugee tailor makes scrubs for NHS Workers

“It has been overwhelming to see the numbers of refugees who have come forward offering to help in whatever way they can during this difficult time.”

In Lancashire, refugees looking to give back to the community that welcomed them have been coming forward to share their skills and help during the crisis. Jehad Haji Rechad, a Syrian tailor who is making scrubs with his friend Mahmoud Kholani, said: "We were given help and support when we needed it and so it is our turn to return the favour to the British people. It is an honour for me to help the country that has offered a safe place for my family and I."

Community Sponsorship groups continue to make plans

People around the country are ensuring that when circumstances allow they will be ready to welcome refugees to their communities. With training from Reset -- a training, support and advice group -- they are getting excellent backing.