Hey,

I'll be walking 57 KM across the South Downs to raise money for The Hummingbird Refugee Project, a youth-centred, trauma-informed project supporting young people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds. We are fundraising so more essential services can be provided, including the creation of a women's group.

The Hummingbird Refugee Project gives me and a lot of other people hope and volunteering with them is one of my favourite things in the world. The young people there are amazing, funny, ridiculously kind, compassionate and creative people. The project supports them in numerous ways, from advocacy and casework to providing spaces for young people to rest, play, and eat together.

Governmental policies make life a lot harder for people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds than it should be. The Hummingbird Refugee Project tends to some of these wounds by creating spaces in which young people are empowered to take on leadership roles, creating spaces that are grounded in trust, safety, and compassion.

I've had the joy of volunteering with several incredible organisations over the years. The Hummingbird Refugee Project is particularly close to my heart. I'm completely in awe of the young people, staff, and volunteers. It is an organisation rooted in compassion and this is felt through every facet of the project.

Given the recent state of things, the need to support organisations such as The Hummingbird Refugee Project is more prevalent than ever. We need to send out a clear message that people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds are welcome here! It was beautiful seeing Brighton coming out in full force in response to the racially aggravated violence that's been happening all over the UK. But the work has got to continue if we are to change the rhetoric for good.

So if you're able to, I really appreciate you considering donating some money to this incredible organisation. No amount is too small. If you're not able to donate but want to support in other ways, please consider donating some time to your local anti-racist organisations. We've all got gorgeous skills and ways we can contribute that align with our gifts. We've all got something to give.

More love, more life

REFUGEE AND ASYLUM-SEEKERS RIGHTS FOREVER N ALWAYS