Split pot from Lesley

Happy Wednesday team 500.. 

These past couple of weeks have been a little stressful in the news but this group keeps me grounded and reminds me that kindness does matter in this wonky world and always will especially through our groups’ actions and help. The sun is coming out and bringing the flowers too. We are a big group and still some members of our members have never nominated, so our lovely member Lesley came along recently with not one but two first time nominations and we thought it would be really good to split the pot and help them both this week. Thank you Lesley. 

These are her nominations: 

Dear 500 Reasons, 

🚲 Keep the repair and ride workshop at GARAS going! 

Working from a courtyard at Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (GARAS ), is a small but skilled and enthusiastic team of volunteers refurbishing donated bikes and providing free drop-in repairs for asylum seekers in Gloucestershire. 

Their efforts help men, women and children seeking asylum to gain independent, reliable transport; a practical way to reach appointments, classes, school, and friends. The project also extends the life of donated bikes and keeps them out of landfill. 

The volunteers who give their time and skills are themselves refugees and asylum seekers, and they know first-hand the difference that having independent transport can make. But the project needs some help! 

They are raising £2,000 to cover the cost of spare parts and accessories used in their drop-in repairs and full refurbishments. Locks, in particular, are vital: a bike without a lock will very soon be stolen, leaving its rider stranded. A donation of £10 can buy a lock, allowing the project to provide one of their refurbished bikes to someone who needs it. 

Any contribution will help keep this volunteer-run service equipped and active - providing low cost independence and direct, practical support for asylum seekers in Gloucestershire. 

You can support the project by donating funds or by contributing materials from their current wish list - details, full information and donation link 

Dear all at 500 reasons

I would like to nominate this small charitable organisation who are keen to provide English classes and support to refugees and asylum seekers currently living in Stroud.

This is their story:

We are Pammy and Paul, both qualified English teachers and we have a background of working with asylum seekers and refugees. We have re-started English Practice Social Sessions in our small market town of Stroud Gloucestershire where there is clearly a need, particularly in these dark and difficult times and we need funds to provide materials for the sessions.

. 

Our primary learners include two older women from Ukraine, still living with host families after 3 years. They are still, of course, deeply affected by their experiences and upset by the ongoing news of the war in their country. Since the initial welcoming, events and support for them have finished in our town. They are somewhat isolated and really appreciate the chance to practice English in a safe and social community setting.

Another learner is from Sudan. He experienced torture and a long circuitous journey to the UK, where unfortunately he suffered further aggression. He feels safe in our sessions, as he knows we all understand the  situation in his country, and the need for him to be, and to feel, as safe here as is possible.

Two older Syrian women attend the sessions, their spoken English is somewhat limited, and they appreciate being in a safe space to practice. They suffered terribly whilst in Syria, both losing several members of their families. They remain traumatised and anxious about the family members still living in Syria. 

We are working on a shoestring and desperately need funds for the hiring of the hall, textbooks such as picture dictionaries, pens, paper and whiteboards. We would also like to provide a few refreshments, and if possible, to subsidise occasional trips. 

We have a group of volunteers to help with this project, all experienced in supporting asylum seekers and refugees and some with teaching qualifications and experience. 

We would also like to invite others in the town who need English Practice, within a social setting, to come and join the sessions.

We are founder members of Stroud District Together With Refugees, as are most of the volunteers,  however this is a community endeavour, initiated by us and not under any umbrella organisation.

We would be most grateful for any