The Worldfriends Group at Selly Oak Methodist Church has now been operating since 2000. The main activity is a monthly meeting on the second Sunday afternoon of each month. The group is helped by church members, people from other nearby churches, and other individuals who are concerned.
We invite any visitor from outside UK and particularly asylum seekers or refugees to join us. At our meeting we aim to give people the opportunity to talk and learn about the customs and practices of this country. We usually have some kind of activity or topic for each session.
We have been developing our own website at www.worldfriends.org.uk so please take a look from time to time as it develops.
Activities have included:
- Cooking
- Games
- Banner making
- Crafts
- Christmas party
- Discussions
- Trips
We have also had summer trips to Evesham, Stratford, Lichfield, Worcester, and Stourport and a Saturday trip to a Worcestershire farm.
Apart from the regular meeting we have been able to assist some of the asylum seekers by accompanying them to solicitors, appeal court hearings and visiting the local MP. Some members have organised petitions on behalf of individual asylum seekers and approached the Council on individual cases.
On receiving status refugees often have difficulty equiping the accommodation they find. We keep a small store of furniture and other household effects so are often able to help them.
We have met people from many nationalities including:
- Ethiopia
- Eritrea
- Zimbabwe
- Iran
- Iraq
- Afghanistan
- Kosova
- Angola
- Lithuania
- Russia
- Malaysia
- Sierra Leone
- Uganda
- Thailand
- China
- Congo
- Rwanda
- Sri Lanka
Many have skills which they are unable to use in this country either because they cannot produce certificates or because their qualifications are not recognised. Some of the skills we have come across are:
- Doctor
- Dentist
- Pilot
- Accountant
- Computer programmer
- Nurse
- Teacher
- Construction engineer
- Cyclist
- Photographer
- Artist
- Opera singer
- Pianist
We are in contact with other bodies who serve asylum seekers and refugees. In particular we have close ties with Restore. We support other activities, such as Refugee Week, that are arranged to help asylum seekers and refugees and draw attention to their plight.
