This Summer was a bit of a rollercoaster mostly for the wrong reasons, when organisations at St Anne’s where we are based, were threatened by the Far Right. This followed the brutal murders in Southport, and we were caught up in the lies and misinformation that spread online blaming refugees and Muslims, triggering riots in Liverpool, Hartlepool, Belfast and other cities around the UK.
The apparent ease with which the Far-Right weaponised communities, turning them on Asylum accommodation sites, took advantage of existing anger or longstanding grievances with a housing shortage, poverty, poor or inadequate local facilities, bending these issues to fit the narrative that it’s all the fault of Asylum Seekers.
Luckily, because of several factors: a heavy Police presence, the strong sentences given out to the original rioters, our own preparedness, but mostly over a thousand members of the public assembling outside our building, the threatened violence never took place. So, for a moment we can take heart that Liverpool, once again, is a city that stands up to hate, and protects those who need help. But it would be wrong to assume the problem has gone away and we have to be vigilant.
That’s why it was such a pleasure to meet with the parents, pupils and teachers of St Ambrose College, as they took part in the Schools Conference in Wistaston Hall in Crewe this October, celebrating their play Real People. Written earlier in the year, it might be seen as the antidote to some of the horrific scenes we witnessed in July and August. The students should feel justly proud of their work, but also of their stance in supporting people who society often denigrates and dismisses.
Sharing a meal in the evening it came as a real surprise to suddenly find myself in the midst of the play as the students ran through a section of it. You could feel the emotion and tension and it’s the kind of push people need to prompt them to think about things in a different way: don’t just accept what you see online, question and find out.
The second surprise of the evening was a fabulous donation that had been collected by St Ambrose for ALM and will certainly help with our work going forward. And the centre, despite closing on Fridays due to a shortage of staff seems busier than ever. Last week we had a dental bus for two days, the Live Well Bus for immunisation and advice, The TB Nurses, the Afloat Theatre Group rehearsing, a group making a Lily Memorial for the children who’ve died in the Gaza/Israel conflict, the Music Group, rehearsals for the Choir’s new song as well as all the other ESOL, casework, meals and homeless services, that normally take place.
In the coming year, we’ll have more work to do in our communities, informing, persuading, even entertaining, and between us, we’ll get the world on a better path. If you want to travel fast, go alone. If you want to travel far, go together. Thanks again, Ewan Roberts
Ewan Roberts, Centre Manager
Asylum Link Merseyside ALM
St Anne’s Centre, 7 Overbury Street, Liverpool L7 3HJ
0151 709 1713 (ext4901)
O God, we thank you for the life of Edmund Rice.
He opened his heart to Christ present in those oppressed by poverty and injustice.
May we follow his example of faith and generosity.
Grant us the courage and compassion of Edmund as we seek to live lives of love and service.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.