INTRODUCTION
Some time ago, when the responsibility for ensuring that RRN complies with a myriad of bureaucratic regulations seemed overwhelming, I wondered whether a small charity such as RRN was a cost-effective way of providing help to the refugee/asylum community in our corner of the country. It seemed to me that we had extraordinary talent and dedication amongst our volunteers, in the Board of Trustees and in Nadia, our CEO and that possibly it would be better if that energy, talent, time and dedication were to be channelled through a larger organisation; one better placed to provide the administrative and compliance support that is an essential part of running any charity. Whilst the demands of regulatory compliance have not waned, I am happy to say this did not become a settled view. Time and time again over the last year I have witnessed the impact that our small charity has had on individuals, and it is apparent to me that the ability to tailor support to individual need and to respond with agility and creativity to changing circumstances puts RRN in a unique position to deliver effective, valuable and relevant support. RRN is impressive in being both efficient and agile, both valuable attributes in times of intense demand for services and high economic pressures.
Furthermore, as the economic climate remains challenging and the political climate we operate in becomes more turbulent it is crucial that RRN operates from a solid base. Much of the work that has been done in the background over the last twelve months is intended to give us the anchors we will need to weather the storms ahead. With the skill of our new treasurer, Richard, we now have improved financial structures, with the energy and enthusiasm of our new fundraiser, Andy, we have a programme of fundraising activities planned. We have also taken the significant step of taking on Nadia as a member of staff which is a reflection of her commitment to RRN and vice versa. Additionally, to our delight, we have recruited a young and dynamic trustee, Milly Jonas, to join the Board of Trustees. Milly has been volunteering for us for some time and we have no doubt that she will be a significant asset to RRN in her new role. As part of preparations for the future the Board of Trustees has conducted a review of its objectives and methods of delivery and now has a clear picture of how it intends to operate going forward. I believe that we are now in a sustainable and resilient position, but, of course, there is still work to be done and we continue to need the help and encouragement from our community of volunteers and supporters, without whom none of what RRN does would be possible.
I look forward to the year ahead and being able to share news and developments within our RRN community. I also look forward to the months ahead knowing that considerable reserves of energy and motivation will be required. So, as I draw breath between Christmas and New Year I am looking at ways of charging up my batteries in anticipation. To this end I have booked to go and see One Life when it opens in the cinemas in early January. A film about the heroic work of Nicholas Winton during World War II. Winton is played by Anthony Hopkins and the film was well received when it was screened at The Toronto Film Festival. Look out for it and if it is as good as reviewed it would be well worth a visit.
I wish you all a peaceful and happy New Year.
Anne Tutt, Chair RRN
CEO’S REPORT
2023 has been a year of consolidation, expansion and improvement across the board for RRN:
ESOL & Employment Classes for Ukrainians in Petersfield and Havant
These programmes have helped over forty-five people and have made a tangible difference to the lives of many of those who have recently arrived in the area with an emphasis on improving language skills. Detailed evaluation studies of the programmes that have been running have illustrated the value of the classes for those attending and comments such as “For me to speak English, means to write better, to speak better, to read better, to find a good job and to be safe. And help Ukraine” are common.
We are grateful to HIWCF, East Hampshire District Council and to Havant Borough Council for funding these programmes. For further detail see https://www.
In the Autumn RRN started a pilot programme called ‘Build up to IELTS’ (The International English Language Testing System). In order for some refugees to find employment here, within their particular profession, or to go into further education they need to pass IELTS test. Based on this and on the outcomes of the July 2023 evaluation and on individual enquiries, RRN started running a course and is now helping four students to work towards the IELTS test.
Community Team
RRN has supported six Afghan refugee families (working alongside Two Saints) thanks to our dedicated and skilled volunteers. Additionally we have been able to award grants to help with essential household and clothing items, driving lessons, educational equipment as well as sourcing good quality donated laptops.
South Downs Youth Discovery Project
In 2021 RRN initiated the South Downs Youth Discovery Project. Since then we have completed the pilot project and in the process doubled our capacity. Feedback from the young participants and from the stakeholders universally showed that they would like this pilot to continue and to reach more young people in the future. Every respondent group praised the supportive, inclusive approach; a project ethos built up through constant attention to detail and a sense of caring, learning and discovery.
In 2024, our aim is to expand the project to include more young people and to have varied monthly day trips to venues beyond the South Downs National Park. We aim to repeat our successful residential trip and to establish weekly walk-in sessions providing support and a place to socialise in Portsmouth. More on this below.
RRN’s Education and Employment Programme
The programme aims to explore the interests and experience of each learner so that they can pursue a career in the UK and in the process explore local opportunities, look for relevant work experience, practice interview techniques and independently navigate the local job market. This programme is co-funded by the Eva Rickett Trust and RRN.
This programme has just resumed and is supporting a Syrian refugee lady based in SE Hampshire, who is a graduate from the University of Damascus. Before the war in Syria started she aimed to become a French teacher but the war changed that for her. With help she has been able to pass her driving test, achieve 1 ESOL from College and acquire good communication skills. Consequently she is now keen to find a job that matches her skills and interests. RRN is working with her and investigating options that might offer a new career path locally.
In the summer RRN ran a small pilot project in Creative Art for Ukrainians adults. Different art materials were used by the attendees to connect with each other and with their experiences. In December based on the learning of the pilot project, RRN and Creatful worked together and organised a Family Art and Craft Party for adults and children which was very successful and well attended.
As always I would like to thank our generous supporters – HIWCF (Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation), East Hampshire District Council, and Havant Borough Council, St Laurence Church, Bedales School, Hampshire County Council and all those who have funded our work over the last year in so many different ways. I would also like to thank our volunteers; both our long-term volunteers and those who have joined RRN during the past year, all of whom enable us to fulfil our mission. We are immensely proud of the fact that we have been able to support over ninety refugees within our local communities and would not have been able to do so without the considerable help and support we have had from so many individuals and organisations.
Nadia Potts, CEO
HOUSING
The continuing wars and political disruption in Ukraine, Africa the Middle East and Afganistan means that the demand for housing stock for refugees remains high. Following the coronavirus pandemic RRN has restarted its programme to recruit homeowners and has been delighted with the response it has had. RRN has been able to provide a home for a refugee family thanks to the generous acquisition of a property by a new landlord. Furthermore in another property a new family is expected to replace another that has moved on. The housing team works hard to maintain good communication between landlords and tenants and wherever possible to work through complications that may arise. RRN also works hard to help our families to secure other accommodation when their needs change, often this is as a result of having obtained more rewarding and secure employment and is an indication that RRN is succeeding in its objectives.
RRN is always keen to talk to landlords about properties that they may wish to rent at affordable rates to refugee families and if you know of anyone who might be interested please contact Andy through hello@ruralrefugeenetwork.org
Andy Crowe, Trustee
SOUTH DOWNS YOUTH DISCOVERY PROJECT
Every month RRN plans a trip for young asylum seekers, aged between 16 and 19, who are looked after by the local authority, and who have recently arrived, on their own, from countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan, Iran, Iraq, Albania, Vietnam and Eritrea. It has been a busy few months for our South Downs Youth Discovery Group and recent highlights have been:
- Day trips to Portsmouth during which they visited the Historic Dockyard, went up Spinnaker Tower and picnicked on Southsea beach. They were able to learn more about their new city – exploring the city’s rich naval history and getting great views from the top of the tower.
- The aim of the programme is to provide opportunities for these young people to access local countryside so that they have an understanding of our rural communities and can enjoy the beauty of our local landscapes. So, in September the group enjoyed a visit to Stansted Park and enjoyed apple picking; easy work in a bumper harvest year! The boys really enjoyed tasting different varieties and pressing the apples into juice. The BBQ lamb and flatbreads were a big hit and many thanks to the Stansted Farm Shop for firing up their BBQ.
- During October Half Term the group had a wonderful few days at the Sustainability Centre. Thankfully the rain stayed away and they had beautiful weather for the planned activities; a gorgeous walk around the Meon Valley, lots of fun with the teambuilding activities; pizza making, an evening bat safari, wood carving and a fantastic campfire session joined by local singer Ollie Patient.
- November saw a return to Bedales School where the group toured the working farm, tending the ponies. They made mince pies in the bake house and played badminton and table tennis. Six Form students at Bedales made them feel welcome and they were all able to bond over a shared love of football.
We are so pleased that we have been able to continue operating our South Downs Youth Discovery Project which has brought joy and friendship to this group of inspiring young people whilst helping them explore and relax in our glorious countryside. We are in the process of applying for further funds to expand the programme to include a weekly Drop-In session in Portsmouth. We look forward to giving more details about this in the coming year. Please do get in touch if you think you know of a venue or an activity that might be suitable for day trips for this project at hello@ruralrefugeenetwork.org.
Emily Mott, Trustee
FUNDRAISING
Work is now well underway to our Art Sale at Bedales School on March 4th 2024. There is still time for professional artists and gifted amateurs to enter work for what is our single biggest fundraising activity. Funds raised by this event have historically supported much of the work that RRN does and is critical to our success going forward.
Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested either as a contributor or as a supporter on the night.
To express an interest in being a contributor please follow this link.
Right: ‘Old Bodleian Library, Oxford’ illustration by Matthew Rice from his book OXFORD, 2018 which Matthew has kindly donated to the Art Sale, with 100% of proceeds going to RRN and the John Badley Foundation Emergency Refugee Fund.
As always, RRN supporters have been raising money for our work in a variety of interesting ways:
- During Refugee Week we had a full house of supporters at our Refugee Week Quiz Night and raised £700.
What connects Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, Marlene Dietrich, Alex Issigonis (inventor of the Mini), Freddie Mercury and Sitting Bull? Answer below…
- In September supporters Mella and Daniel raised in excess of £800 for RRN by taking part in the London to Brighton Bike Ride, having never cycled anything like 60 miles before and trained hard for many weeks for the event. Well Done!
- A big Thank You to East Hampshire District Council who continue to support our work through their Community Lottery, this is an example of the many ways in which the Council gives outstanding support to refugees in our community.
Other than the Art Sale our next big event in 2024 will be an Isle of Wight Bike Ride. There will be a choice of two marked routes around the island: the 30 mile mini-Randonnée and the 68 mile full Randonnée. You will need to be fairly fit for the mini ride and even fitter for the 68 miler! The latter includes most of the hills of the island. I complete the long ride at least once a year and can say from experience that it is a wonderful way to see one of the most unspoilt parts of the South of England. I look forward to leading the long ride and sharing that experience with others. We need both riders and sponsors so do please contact me via hello@ruralrefugeenetwork.org.
One last word or two: Donations can always be made to RRN through our Just Giving page Rural Refugee Network – JustGiving. This is a simple and quick way to donate money at any time of the year.
Wishing you all a Peaceful 2024. How we need it.
Answer to Quiz Question – They were all refugees (of course!)
Andy Crowe, Fundraising Trustee