Deirdre Casby and I are going to the Refugee Women's Centre in Grande Synthe Refugee Camp, Dunkirk from 30 December to 2 January - hopefully the first of other visits to come.

Why? ... I believe in the power of language and education to build reslience and in the power of poetry to give voice. Deirdre believes in art and in a good party to bring joy. We decided to combine the things we know about, to see if we can help. We are going to run 'English through Poetry and Art' workshops and organise a celebration to share the work produced by the women, in the Women's Centre. We will be privileged to learn from the women we meet, who undoubtedly have a lot to teach us.

In our preparations and communications with the centre, we found out that the centre needs items such as, nappies , bottled water, locks for shelters, decent lighting for shelters, money to fix heaters, push chairs and baby baths. It changes each day but those things are always needed.

As well as doing what we can ourselves, we would like to try to raise some money for the centre, to help them continue and to develop the safe and community spirited space that they offer for women and children in the camp.

It would be great if you, our friends could support us in this and make a donation for the centre.