I have enjoyed an
invaluable opportunity this summer volunteering with Meeting Point. This is an excellent charity based at Christ Church
in Armley providing practical and emotional support for refugees and
asylum seekers currently living in Leeds. Helping
people from all round the world – including parts of
Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe – it also aims to help
people work towards social integration in this country.
The
beneficiaries of this charity have left their homes and normal life and are
often in a very difficult situation living in another country where English is
not their first language. People in this situation are often living in a state
of limbo waiting for a decision from the Home Office on their legal status and can
be waiting for years. Some are destitute, some not allowed to
work or receive benefits and some don’t have a home. They can be isolated and
struggle physically and mentally. They may not
have family or friends in this new country. Their situation is
often challenging and precarious and many rely on charities for support.
Every Monday
Meeting Point runs a drop-in session where beneficiaries receive a hot meal, a prepared bag of food containing a mixture of fresh fruit and vegetables,
bread and pastries and additional items of dried food and meat which they
can select. They can also receive clothes and
household items. Whilst here they can get support and advice in
many forms including health and employment advice.
In addition, Meeting Point runs a Women’s Group,
English classes, trips and other
activities. For example, during the summer trips have been running for all
the family.
As well as
providing the practical support of food and clothes Meeting Point
helps people emotionally by making them part of a
community and helping them make friends. Many beneficiaries of
Meeting Point subsequently become involved themselves with
volunteering and helping the charity.
The work here is led by
Emma Crossley and supported by a team of staff and volunteers. I’ve found them
all to be extremely friendly and totally dedicated in their work.
Meeting Point has helped me
realise the enormous hardship and challenge these people and their families
have faced in their lives. However, talking to the people here is always a
really positive experience for me as they are always incredibly friendly. I am
continually impressed by and admire their resilience and determination.
My experience here has
given me knowledge and insight into an important global issue affecting
millions of people around the world. The terrible images of suffering from Afghanistan
highlight the plight of refugees and asylum seekers. Meeting Point has also led
me to consider how we can find ways to reach out to help people in these
situations and I would hope to remain involved going forward.