Strong Roots

From 2020 to 2024 we ran 4 versions of our Stronger Roots Programme.

Starting small we ran a 6 week programme and recruited local asylum seekers with Iman, who is refugee from Kurdistan.

After a successful programme we were lucky enough to fund the programme 2 more times with National Lottery funding.

In 2023, when this funding came to an end we successful crowdfunded to run a year long programme up until the end of 2024.

Lulu and Iman took on the important roles of facilitating and feeding everyone throughout the programme.

The programme was intended to bring together local people, asylum seekers and refugees with nature and food being the common interest.

We ran craft workshops with local artists, had volunteers teaching English, gardening sessions and cooked culturally appropriate foods that we all sat down together and ate.

We worked with Conversations Over Boarders and MRSN to find participants and throw parties with food, music and dancing.

Well-being was a core outcome of the programme. Participants said they felt safe and welcome in the space and often was the only opportunity to relax and eat good food, meet other people and receive help and support through difficult times.

We are currently still looking for funding to re-start this programme.