More Than A Day Out: Why Upbeat Trips Are So Important
Over December and January Integration Manager Elliot was privileged to be able to take groups of Upbeat participants on a couple of days out. He explains why day trips are so important for the wellbeing and friendships of our friends that are newly arrived to this country.
“I have been in the mountains, up to my knees in snow, but I have never been this cold before!” was one of the memorable comments from the recent trip to National Trust property Kedleston Hall. Another, referring to being outside was, “This is the best medicine. Thank you very much for this wonderful day!”
Many asylum seekers live in a very small world: where they live, the shops and perhaps English classes they attend. Venturing beyond that is difficult as it requires local knowledge of what there is to see and do as well as the transportation to get there. A further barrier would be the cost of entrance.
This is vastly different to the full lives many people led back in their home countries, before they were forced to leave. Many of those seeking refuge in the UK find the transition extremely tough, and long for the days when they may have had independence and freedom in their own lives, freedom taken away by war or persecution — much of which remains missing, even when they are on safe soil, as they go through the UK asylum system.
The loan of a minibus as well as provision of free entrance enabled 27 people to visit Kedleston Hall in two separate trips before Christmas. As well as a short walk through the woods, we were able to take a tour of the grand house.
We chatted, we laughed, we learned about English history and culture. It was a great chance for people to build friendships, expand their knowledge of the UK, orient themselves by going to a place outside of Derby, and enjoy the mental benefits that we all need by being outdoors.
“We enjoyed Kedleston Hall’s beautiful scenery and outstanding building. Quite a lovely countryside.”
Another great opportunity to enjoy time together, build relationships and show people British football culture was going to a match on 2nd January. 28,816 people turned out; out of those, 311 were Accrington Stanley fans.
A small group were from Upbeat Communities and had travelled even further than the away fans, comprising of people from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Sudan and Yemen. For many, it was the first time that they had attended a match in such a large stadium. Quite a number of selfies and videos of the match were taken in the stands and next to the pitch.
Even though some of our little group looked frozen to the core and could no longer feel their hands, it was a memorable event. The tickets, given to Upbeat Communities, enabled people to have a day out, create memories, speak to other people in their home language as well as English, and enjoy a change of routine from their usual four walls.
Elliot Cooper — Upbeat Integration Manager & Tutor
We’re thankful to the generosity of those who enable these trips to happen. If you’d like to make a donation to help our friends seeking sanctuary enjoy the freedom and memories provided by a day out, visit upbeatcommunities.org/donate. Thank you!