Jeremy, Jo, Issy and Sam’s story
This year is the 25th anniversary of Restore, a project of Birmingham Churches Together that welcomes and supports refugees and asylum seekers; people who have fled war and persecution and need protection and sanctuary.
To celebrate those 25 years, we are doing a 25-hour sponsored silence. Why a silence? Apart from it will be a hard challenge, it highlights that too often those who have been persecuted have no voice and others make decisions for them. Refugees in our communities are often isolated and lonely and have no-one to talk to. And to focus on Restore's vision to welcome, value and integrate refugees and asylum seekers and one-to-one befriending work.
What's the impact of befriending? One befriended refugee wrote, 'I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful befriender you introduced me to. As an Arab refugee in the UK who initially struggled with the English language, having her support and friendship has made a significant difference in my life. Her kindness, patience and guidance have helped me navigate this new environment and feel more at home. I have made progress in learning English and feel more confident, thanks to her encouragement. Your work is truly making a positive impact.'
Over the years, as a family, we've been involved with Restore - helping at family parties, day trips for families and Christmas parties for adults, raising funds like 'bouncing for befriending' (which was 26 minutes each on the trampoline back in the pandemic), and through Jeremy volunteering as a befriender and then working for Restore. We've met some wonderful people through Restore and have been blessed and enriched.
What's the impact of befriending? One befriended refugee wrote, 'I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful befriender you introduced me to. As an Arab refugee in the UK who initially struggled with the English language, having her support and friendship has made a significant difference in my life. Her kindness, patience and guidance have helped me navigate this new environment and feel more at home. I have made progress in learning English and feel more confident thanks to her encouragement. your work is making a positive impact.'
Jeremy and Jo will take on this challenge on 1st and 2nd December. (Having a silent challenge means Jeremy can participate without it triggering migraine symptoms.) Issy is being silent from 7am Saturday 30th November to 8am Sunday 1st December. As this campaign focuses on 25...... Sam's decided on an alternative activity, he's going to cycle 25km probably not in silence! Well, that was his original idea.... Sam's now changed that to a few bike rides totaling 250km. We'll update this page when we have more information.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
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