Blackpool walk takes place in solidarity with refugees

Our refugee resettlement service in the North West recently took people on a community coastal walk in support of all refugees and asylum seekers along the Fylde Coast and beyond.

Dubbed the ‘Journey of Hope’, the walk took place over three miles from North Pier to Norbreck Castle Hotel in support of those fleeing their home countries through fear of war and persecution.

The church and charity, which has two churches in Blackpool, the Citadel on Raikes Parade and Blackpool South, located on Dorset Street, is encouraging people to take part in order to raise awareness and support refugees and asylum seekers within the local community.

Alexandra Foden, who is part of The Salvation Army’s Refugee Resettlement Service for the North West, said: “It’s important for us to encourage people to welcome refugees and asylum seekers into our country, our communities and our hearts. They have fled terrible hardship and need support to integrate and live an independent, healthy and happy lives within the UK and indeed in Blackpool.

“The war in Ukraine has shone a new light on this group of people and by taking part in our walk it shows that we stand alongside refugees and asylum seekers and want to celebrate and educate others on their lives and show the value that they can bring to local communities. We hope people can join us; there is a lot that can be learnt from other cultures and we’re proud that Blackpool can provide a safe and welcoming haven for all.”

As part of the walk, many refugees and asylum seekers that have been supported over the years by The Salvation Army took part, and participants were encouraged to wear the colours of the country that people want to support. Examples included Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria, Sudan and Somalia.

The Salvation Army supports refugees and asylum seekers in a number of ways, from providing English language classes and culture awareness sessions to donating clothes, furniture and furnishings.