The Stories & Supper fundraiser – running from Tuesday 17th to Tuesday 24th March – seeks to raise £6,750 to deliver welcome workshops for refugees, asylum seekers and local residents in Walthamstow

Local charity Stories & Supper is launching a crowdfunder to continue their work with refugees and people seeking asylum.

The campaign – running from Tuesday 17th to Tuesday 24th March – seeks to raise £6,750 to deliver welcome workshops for refugees, asylum seekers and local residents in Walthamstow.

The Big Give have pledged to match-fund all donations, so any support the charity receives during the crowdfunder will have double the impact. 

Founded in 2017, Stories & Supper runs creative workshops, community events and gardening activities, as well as education sessions in local schools in Waltham Forest. 

Director Helen Taylor describes the current political situation as one that is “killing hope – both for those seeking sanctuary and for the wider community”. 

“People seeking asylum are becoming increasingly isolated. They often wait years for a decision on their asylum claim and can’t work or choose where to live while they wait. This uncertainty affects their mental and physical health, permeates their everyday lives and limits their sense of belonging.”

Like others working in the sector, the charity has spoken out about recent government proposals which will make it harder for refugees to permanently settle in the UK.

“There is a lot of fear and misinformation being spread at the moment,” says Taylor. “We hear so much about the perceived negative impacts of immigration, but this doesn’t reflect the reality of the UK as a country that has benefited. We’re so much richer for the diversity in our communities.”

Stories & Supper says it aims to challenge negative narratives and strives to make connections between new arrivals and the local community. 

It hosts weekly creative workshops for refugees and asylum seekers at the William Morris Gallery that include storytelling, poetry, drama, music, art and craft.

Regular attendee Nazir says: “I learn something new every week, which is so exciting. Everyone here is like a family member. Being part of this group feels like a blessing and I’m very grateful to have a space like this.”

Group members share lunch at the end of the sessions, and new opportunities – such as performing at events, delivering school workshops, or becoming leaders in the charity – also emerge, Stories & Supper says.

You can donate here, and find out more about Stories & Supper here

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