A church project to give asylum seekers in Banbury access to kitchen facilities has come full circle for one of the refugees who has now become the church’s wellbeing coordinator.
Rose arrived in the UK two years ago, as an asylum seeker, and was housed in a hotel in Banbury. As a newcomer to the UK she found the experience overwhelming and was particularly looking for a way to cook the food of her homeland. The asylum seekers are provided meals in the hotels which are often not culturally appropriate or healthy due to cost constraints.
Rose explained: “It was a truly scary time, simply because it was a new place. Looking out the window at people going to work and shops, I realised there was no difference between asylum seekers and 'normal' people.
“After that, I started going out, volunteering at three different places, which offered a wonderful opportunity to become involved in the community. I was thrilled to discover St Mary's Church kitchen, the day I went, I was so happy.”
Rose used the kitchen for five months until she received refugee status and was moved into more permanent accommodation. The church has been opening its kitchen for two years, providing cooking facilities for asylum seekers housed nearby. Since then, the project has benefitted around 30 families and is so successful it is over subscribed and not all families who would like to use it can.
Vicar the Revd Serena Tajima applied to the Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action programme Well Together and funding was granted to pay for a Well Being Coordinator for one year, which is where Rose comes in again!
Rose said: "I took the job because I deeply appreciate St Mary's help. I wanted to give back and improve the support offered to people in need, expanding beyond food assistance to other sectors. Knowing the importance of skills and experience for securing employment, I'm planning training sessions for next year. Currently, we're focused on providing winter clothing, essential supplies, and Christmas gifts.”
The co-ordinator provides clothes as well as access to the kitchen and there are plans to add more activities asylum seekers will benefit from next year.
Serena concluded: “When reflecting on this work that we do for our community, it makes me think of the story that Jesus told of the Good Samaritan. I believe Jesus asks us as disciples to help those who are in need without exception or expectation of receiving anything in return.”
Find out how your church could support asylum seekers in your community.