This week, we’re bringing you a news round-up which focusses on positive stories. All the negative news pieces can feel overwhelming and we wanted to take the time to recognise and highlight some uplifting moments and those working towards change. A timely reminder to ourselves and our communities that goodness persists…
Coffee and Safe Haven
A refugee-run coffee shop in Walthamstow, London, made the news this week. Haven Coffee, run by Usman Khalid, has become a community hub and a safe space. He is helping refugees and people seeking asylum to integrate into their new communities. Among other activities, they can receive barista training, art workshops, and even stand-up comedy classes. Customers praise the shop for its warm atmosphere and its efforts to raise awareness about refugee experiences through food and conversation.
Usman said:
Coffee itself tells a beautiful story of migration. It started in Ethiopia, migrated across the globe, and now everyone knows it. Like coffee, we use it to bridge connections within the refugee community.
New Initiatives
The Scottish Refugee Council has launched the New Scots Connect Map, a digital tool to help refugees locate support services across Scotland. The map lists organisations offering everything from housing and legal advice to language classes and mental health services.
Haven Coffee has become a community hub and a safe space
Calls for Change
A new report from NACCOM and the Good Faiths Partnership, entitled “Treat Us Like Humans” was released last week and was covered in a story from the Electronic Immigration Network. It sheds light on the significant challenges faced by people seeking asylum in the UK.
Several NGOs have called on the Government to improve safeguarding policies after people seeking asylum experienced violence and incidents of race hate in Home Office accommodation.
A Channel Rescue
This week, the Standard reported that 68 people crossing the Channel from Calais had been rescued by the French coastguard. Last week, we shared our report which found that 2024 was the deadliest year on record for Channel crossing deaths. We also outlined our key recommendations for the Government, including the need to expand safe and legal routes to the UK.
Check back next week for more news and stories of how our work is having an impact on both local communities and the national conversation. ■
