First ever Beyond Bath talk – 1st May

Posted on 26 April, 2024

The first ever Beyond Bath talk is happening on Wednesday 1 May at 4/5 Chapel Row, Bath. This free-to-attend event is aimed at sharing powerful and insightful stories about migration and those it affects.

This is the first in what will be a series of events designed to raise awareness of the realities beyond our borders, through authentic and inspiring stories of migrants, refugees, activists and change-makers working towards a more inclusive society.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share motivations, and build community. Let’s embark on a journey together to reimagine the narrative of migration

Our panellists are:

Andrea Dos Anjos, Beyond Bath lead for Bath Welcomes Refugees (BWR)
Mir Abdullah Miri, an educational researcher and supported by BWR since he arrived in Bath
Alexandra Chapman, chair of trustees of Ethiopiaid UK, an organisation that raises funds for local Ethiopian charities to transform lives and achieve lasting change
And a BWR member who will talk about the invaluable work the charity does.

Secure your spot now and be part of this impactful conversation

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-bath-powerful-stories-of-migration-tickets-884044209027

Photography competition – keep an eye out for the winners

Posted on

We’re helping to promote a photography competition for Freedom From Torture (www.freedomphotocompetition.co.uk) – keep a look out for the winners of this who will be seen in Bath’s 44AD art space from 14-16 June.

The deadline to enter the competition was extended to Sunday 28 April.

As the organisers say: “Everyone should be able to live in freedom. Yet today there are 110 million people forcibly displaced worldwide. Each person, with their own hopes, fears and dreams, has been forced to flee from violence, conflict and persecution, leaving their homes, communities or countries behind.

“We’re inviting you to explore the word ‘freedom’ by taking part in this open photography competition to fundraise for Freedom from Torture, a charity which supports refugee survivors of torture in the UK.”

A selection of the photographs will be made for exhibition and a winner in each age group and a number of runner-ups will be decided by a professional jury made up of eminent photographers Kolbassia Haoussou MBE, Aisha Olamide Seriki and director of Panos Pictures Adrian Evans. Winners in each category will be awarded prize money and a longlist of entries will be published in our digital gallery.

The photos will be displayed at the following prestigious galleries:
The Velorose Gallery (London): 17th-29th June 2024
The Glasgow Gallery of Photography (Glasgow): 17th-23rd June 2024
44AD artspace (Bath): 14th-16th June 2024

Boutique sale to raise funds – Thurs 2 May

Posted on 25 April, 2024

A fantastic BWR pre-loved Boutique Sale is on next Thursday, 2nd May in Combe Down. Please come along, find a fashionable bargain and contribute to a fantastic cause!

Volunteers needed for Off The Record

Posted on 22 April, 2024

Off the Record Bath and North East Somerset is running a volunteer independent visitor service and is looking for long term befrienders to children/young people aged 5-18 looked after in foster care.

Each volunteer is matched with one young person and takes them out for an activity once a month.

All applicants welcome. Visit https://www.offtherecord-banes.co.uk/volunteer for more information.

Off the Record Bath and North East Somerset (OTR) improves the emotional health and wellbeing of young people. OTR provides a range of free services for anyone aged 10-25 living, working or studying in BaNES, including counselling, listening support, youth participation, advocacy, support for care leavers and a LGBTQ+ focused youth group.

Busy in the background

Posted on 19 April, 2024

BWR has been working away with plans for a new logo and website to better reflect the work we do and the people we support. We look forward to unveiling this later in the year.

We’re so very grateful to the kind people helping us with design and inspiration and content and all the techie stuff that’s going to make this possible.

Right now, we’d particularly like to thank Darius Jéan, who invited the team to his Bath studio for professional headshots for our new website.

Darius, who is a photographer and filmmaker specialising in weddings and events, says: “I search for joy. I capture moments that are for the most part unposed to document the story: not create it.”

We love this example of his beautiful work, below. For more information and to see more of his photography visit www.dariusjean.co.uk.

Charlotte MacDiarmid steps down from trustee board

Posted on 12 April, 2024

Charlotte MacDiarmid stepped down from the trustee board and her role as chair at the end of March. Charlotte joined BWR as a trustee in late 2019 and we thank her for the huge part she has played in those four years.

She had this message for BWR colleagues: “I have loved being part of such a wonderful and dynamic local charity. Its been quite a journey and I’m proud of what we’ve been able to achieve together. Its been a pleasure to work alongside such a dedicated and compassionate bunch of people – you are all amazing! I’m constantly inspired at the lengths BWR volunteers and staff go to to make sure refugees and asylum seekers in Bath feel welcome, feel supported, and have a chance at a better life here. Its a very positive antidote to the sometimes toxic discourse at national level.”

“I’m confident I’m leaving the trustee board in a good place. In the past year we have recruited new trustees who bring new experience, skills and expertise to the board.

“I wish BWR every success going forward and I will continue to support from the sidelines. Together we can all continue to make Bath and the surrounding area a warm and welcoming place for those who have been forced to flee their homelands.”

Bob Clift steps down as trustee

Posted on 28 March, 2024

Bob Clift has stepped down as a Bath Welcomes Refugees trustee. The charity would like to thank Bob for the huge part he has played.

Bob, who is moving to Devon, shared these lovely words with us:

“Since the very first day I joined BWR, nearly five years ago, I’ve been surrounded by compassionate, supportive and determined colleagues all of whom I hold in the highest regard. I genuinely do feel privileged to have been a small part of such a wonderful, progressive and caring charity. I joined knowing very little about supporting refugees but you helped me by willingly sharing your knowledge and wisdom with me. I’ve seen the workload of BWR grow significantly due to the terrible situations which have occurred over the last few years but it’s been heartwarming to see everyone selflessly step up to the challenge to provide the support which is so desperately needed in so many ways.

“Thank you for the support and friendship you have given me and of course for your invaluable contribution to BWR. I leave BWR with a sad heart but confident you will continue its great and necessary work.”