This Refugee Week saw the return of Little Amal, a 3m high puppet which in 2021 undertook a journey from Syria to the UK, representing millions of child refugees worldwide.

Earlier today (Thursday 23rd June) Little Amal travelled through Birmingham city centre (see above) meeting up with the public, local families, and some of Birmingham’s Schools of Sanctuary. Back in the autumn, she took part in Coventry City of Culture (see video below).

Quakers in Central England participate in various projects personally and as meetings, that support refugees, including Quaker Asylum & Refugee Network (QARN), Birmingham City of Sanctuary, Restore and Carriers of Hope Coventry.

Fred Ashmore of QARN has recently written an article for Quakers in Britain: ‘Would Little Amal go to Rwanda this year?’ discussing the harshening hostile environment for refugees and asylum seekers and sharing what a response rooted in love and justice could look like.

And on Monday 11th July, Sheila Mosley will be speaking to Bournville’s Quaker Concerns Study Group about the work of QARN – all welcome to this online session, contact Bournville@centralenglandquakers.org.uk for the Zoom details.