Ellesmere Port host event for refugees and asylum seekers

The theme of Refugee Week 2023, which ran from June 19 to 25, was Compassion.

On Tuesday, June 20, a number of local agencies rallied together to host an event for the refugees and people seeking asylum in Ellesmere Port.

The event was held at St Thomas and All Saints Church in Ellesmere Port.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates the current total number of displaced people to be over 103 million – the highest in history.

Lots of people attended the event (Image: Gemma Alexander-Bloomfield)

Gemma Alexander-Bloomfield, Community Development Worker at Ellesmere Port Parish said: "We must expect and accept that the UK will see increasing numbers of refugees and people seeking asylum travelling to the UK and safety.

"This past year has placed refugees and asylum seekers front and centre in much of our national media. Whether it has been the Ukraine war and the Ukrainian people being hosted in the UK, an increase in numbers of small boats carrying people seeking asylum across the Channel, or the huge numbers of historic claims from people waiting years to get decisions on asylum claims – it cannot have escaped our notice that increasing numbers of people are seeking safe routes to safe homes."

The event was a success (Image: Gemma Alexander-Bloomfield)

The event's aim was to ensure the refugee/asylum seeker community feel welcome within the town, and secondly, an opportunity to offer practical guidance and support, giving people an opportunity to learn more about what is available.

Gemma added:  "With support from the mayor and local councillors, plus a multitude of agencies offering support, a meal and drinks were available for refugees and people seeking asylum to enjoy at St. Thomas & All Saints Church.

"The enthusiasm of all involved in putting this event together, certainly encompassed the theme of ‘compassion’, and the event was a huge success."