As ever, there are more changes coming to the immigration landscape in the UK and the new Home Secretary has suggested we should make recognised Refugees wait 20 years before allowing them to settle permanently, and check every two and a half years, whether they can be sent back to the place they fled from. What that means for me is some of the colleagues I have worked alongside for over two decades would only just now be qualifying for citizenship and may never have had the confidence to send their kids to university or even get jobs.
Always a topic for intense discussion, the last two or three years have seen Asylum Seekers and Refugees spoken about as if they were just so many ornaments to be rearranged or packed away out of sight. The de-humanising of this group of people demonstrates how easy it is to speak of people in very abstract terms, boats, camps, illegals, rather than as people with skills, talents or characteristics. Meeting asylum seekers people are often surprised how normal they are, and often how pleasant. This was from Helen Trahar who messaged us after visiting to drop off some clothes.
“I came down with a donation of some clothes yesterday and the interaction I had with the lovely gentleman that helped me, really moved me. It was a brief meeting, but he offered to help me with my bags and when I commented on how wonderful the food smelled he offered me a plate of food. I don’t know this chap’s story, but I’d imagine he has faced hardship and all the work that ALM do supporting people with next to nothing, and still I was offered a plate of food out of kindness. I politely declined the food but left with my heart full.
This interaction really lifted me. I work on the front line as a charity worker myself and I have seen the increase in hate, and it erodes my soul. I didn’t get his name but thank you to him and to ALM for all the work good work you do.”
That sort of thing helps lift us all. The Choir had a recent outing to Runnymede St Edward’s Catholic Primary School in West Derby. It was wonderful to see the reaction of the children joining in and the energy in the room was electric. I wish every day could start like that. Another highlight was a recent concert in the Palm House in Sefton Park, and we hope to be back there again soon. Thanks once again for all your help and support.
Ewan Roberts, Fundraising Coordinator
Asylum Link Merseyside ALM
St Anne’s Centre, 7 Overbury Street, Liverpool L7 3HJ
0151 709 1713 (07878 530993)
Days – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
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.