Winter sun and guided walks in East London

‘Imagine being arbitrarily moved somewhere where you know no-one and have no connections. Quite alienating for most people, I’d expect.

Care4Calais volunteers befriend and support asylum seekers at locations all over the UK. At hotels in east and north London, regular activities have been set up to support the mental health of people staying there. Before these activities started, some asylum seekers had not left their hotels for weeks or months.

As part of the activities, I’ve been running a series of guided walks, mainly around Shoreditch, the City of London and surrounding areas for people in a hotel near Old Street roundabout.

It is a good excuse for a stroll in the winter sun and to chat with friends, old and new. I hope it’s made those who were able to come more confident in the place where they find themselves – and provided some good, socially-distanced exercise. It’s something I hope to carry on doing – and I’m learning more with each walk as well!’ – Martin, Care4Calais (U.K.) volunteer.

To volunteer with us in the U.K., email [email protected]