Education

Voices in Exile support refugees, asylum seekers and those with no recourse to public funds. Their ethos  is multi-faith and human rights based and their approach is collaborative and holistic. 

First and foremost Voices in Exile offer practical and legal support to those unable to access the justice system and services such as healthcare, but once these basic needs are taken care of they also provide their members with access to a range of creative programmes. Through these programmes VIE Seeks to help people find positive ways to address their needs, build skills and work towards integration. 

VIE received a £10,000 grant from Enjoolata to help fund these group activities which included sewing on the  ONCA Barge at Brighton Marina, gardening and cooking activities with Common ground in Stanmer Park, a cultural visit to Brighton Museum and Pavillion and pottery and sculpture classes at Hanover Community Centre. 

VIE have reported that the activities have already had a significant impact on members –  improving their sense of connection to Brighton, reducing isolation and encouraging members to participate independently in beneficial wellbeing and creative activities and groups in the area. 

VIE have helped their members gain access to free classes such as women’s yoga at the Brighton Natural Health Centre, Men’s Pilates at the Meeting House, International Women’s group at Jubilee Library and stone carving, woodwork, textiles and photography at Fabrica. 

Outcomes of the workshops have included 

• Improved knowledge and confidence to access local services and activities
• Practise using digital devices and the internet
• Participation in health and wellbeing activities
• Improved social networks and connections to the city
• Increased confidence in everyday English and participation in / leading group workshops
• Access to other groups and volunteering

One member commented ‘I would like to thank you (Voices in Exile) for your help and support for me and my family, especially Miss Hayat who gave me support and was by my side in my most difficult times. I used to feel lonely and isolated but thanks to you I now feel that I am not alone’. 

Support comes in many forms and whilst it is vital to address the essential basic needs of individuals,  Voices in Exile’s work in the community is a reminder that there is more to life beyond basic needs and everyone should have the same opportunities to live their life to their full potential.

One of our favourite things about Brighton and Hove is the sense of inclusivity, community and connectedness that is generated by people all around the city collaborating and working together to create positive change.

The Crew Club is a grassroots community led hub nestled at the bottom of the South Downs in Whitehawk, East Brighton, that provides much needed opportunities for young people in the community.

Whitehalk is in the bottom 5% most socially and economically deprived neighbourhoods in the whole of England and despite many people within the community working extremely hard, many can still struggle to provide the bare essentials, let alone be able to provide their children with access to creative opportunities.

The team at Crew Club work tirelessly all year to provide children in the community with access to these opportunities, providing a full programme of free, open access activities aimed at improving their health and emotional and psychological wellbeing.

Windmill Young Actors is an open youth theatre company running weekly classes in Brighton, Hastings and Lewes for young performers between 8 & 12 year olds. They believe that their weekly drama classes help to build confidence, teamwork, focus, imagination and a sense of achievement and belonging. Students get the opportunity to learn from acclaimed scripts and playwrights. They develop their own productions and learn skills from directing, script writing & technical production. They even get the opportunity to take part in the Brighton Fringe Festival.

Last year with funding from Enjoolata Foundation, The East Brighton Trust and Sussex Community Foundation Windmill Young Actors were able to run ‘The Crew Club Theatre’ club once a week for young people in Whitehawk.

A parent of one of the participants said that the classes were “The only thing my son will get off a screen for”.

The Christmas performances of Babayaga and Vasila the Brave were both devised and performed by the young people, celebrating the group’s hard work and creativity.

Flock Theatre makers believe that good art should be accessible to all and that participatory experiences are hugely important to communities who experience poverty and / or marginalisation, but theatre is a luxury some cannot afford.

“There’s a Tiger in my Garden” was performed for primary school children, the refugee community and the elderly in venues identified as an area of need and scarce artistic opportunity.

East Sussex Parks and Brighton primary schools were the venues used this September and October. Aided by puppets, music and dance the audience’s imagination was provoked, joining Nora on her adventure in grandma’s garden as she discovered carnivorous plants, a grumpy polar bear, butterflies as big as her arms and even a tiger!

“My kids were mesmerised by the puppets and songs. I found it quite emotional going to see live theatre again.”

“Our kids have a creative potential that can profoundly impact their futures. This sends a message that their potential is recognised and worth caring for.”

The arts will play a vital role in our social / emotional recovery from the pandemic. Participatory experiences transform communities: they raise esteem & aspiration, aid language development and provide a space to process complex emotions.