OVER 70 asylum seekers and refugees currently living in Bradford were welcomed to Nell Bank on September 1.

The visit was part of an ongoing initiative led by Ilkley residents Felicity Tomblin and Sue Staton, as part of Wharfedale Refugee Response, to show support and friendship to people forced to flee their home countries. The group works in conjunction with Bradford Refugee Action and have been coordinating these activities since 2016. During that time, Ilkley and neighbouring areas have played host to over 300 asylum seeking and refugee families from all over the world.

Due to the pandemic, the team had been forced to cancel their scheduled activities so they were delighted to be able to organise their first trip for 18 months at Nell Bank.

Three groups of children, led by the Nell Bank team and accompanied by their parents, either pond dipped, looked for mini beasts or built dens and took part in the obstacle course. They enjoyed lunch, cooked by a team of volunteers.

Parents were also offered food and toiletries donated by the Ilkley Food Bank and clothes, donated by members of the local community.

After lunch children played in the water play area, on the adventure playground, took part in a game of ‘Capture the Flag’ or played in the outdoor musical area.

Felicity Tomblin said: “It was such a special day and the comments we heard from the families were just glowing with appreciation and a sense of relaxation and fun that have been in sparse supply. Times have been very hard for the families, made even harder by Covid. They have been very isolated without friends and family so it was wonderful to bring so many people together from different countries and cultures, all sharing the same experiences, and to extend the hand of welcome and support to them.

“We had also been informed that it was the birthday of one of the children attending, so we surprised him with presents and a birthday cake and card which had been signed by all the volunteers. It brought a tear to everyone’s eyes and his mother was overwhelmed.”

Christy Bischoff, Children and Families Project Manager at Refugee Action said: “The pandemic has had a significant impact on the families we work with, both in practical terms and on mental wellbeing. It has particularly increased isolation and loneliness for families that already had limited family and social networks locally. That is why these trips are so important. For them to be able to enjoy a day out together with new friendships being developed between the children and the parents means a lot. One woman left a five minute voice message to express her thanks for the day, full of great emotion for what it meant for her children and for her. She said it was the best day she has had since she has been in England.”

Felicity and Sue would like to thank Nell Bank, the Children’s Charity Circle, Bradford and Bingley, as well as all the volunteers for making this possible.

The team is now planning their next trip which is scheduled for November. For information about Wharfedale Refugee Response visit their Facebook page.