The timing of the talk was pertinent. Syria was headline news in the aftermath of the air strikes. At Ammerdown, we heard the human side of the story: three Syrian women seeking refuge in England.

They spoke of the trauma of leaving behind the lives they had built up and loved and how, when coming to the UK, they had nothing. They had to start again. It was a difficult path to find any sense of belonging.

Along the way, they experienced hate in cruel words and attitudes, just because of their Muslim faith. But they also experienced great kindness from people who listened to their story and welcomed them to their new home.

Fifty women gathered to listen to their stories and to hear about the support available from SARI (Stand Against Racism and Inequality), Prevent and the Avon and Somerset Police.

The Ammerdown Interfaith Project (AIP) was set up to address faith and race-related hate crime. It is hoped that through connecting people, listening to each others’ stories and sharing them, we will break down prejudices; remember our common humanity and our need to belong; and be inspired to make a difference. The AIP is funded by the Methodist Church, The Beeston Community Trust and The Ammerdown Centre.

It was very successful; hearing individuals’ stories of how families fled was very moving at times. It was a fantastic opportunity for Ammerdown to host this event in a safe environment where stories and experience were shared.

For information, contact the Interfaith Project Coordinator, Christine Clinch, on: [email protected] or call: 01761 433709.

Emma Rawlings, Director of the Ammerdown Centre