to know them , learn about their lives and personal stories , what had helped them , what mattered to them .
NAC Families Photo walks at the Library worked well – to find out which shops they used , which services , where the liked to go and why .
Key outcomes What people want and need :
• Food – basic human rights ( decent quality and affordable food , hot drinks , warmth , a safe home ).
• Community & Belonging – having a community centre to go to with activities , and shared food , includes friendship , camaraderie , warmth , support , kindness , & laughter . Knowing what ’ s available and where on which days and times .
• Art – so many adults are secret artists ; attending craft classes etc , and want to learn serious art skills .
• Access to nature , wildlife and the outdoors ; walking , fishing , etc ., West Park ( and the canals to some extent ) are very important to people in Whitmore Reans .
• Peace of mind , relaxation , calmness , de-stressing . A way to manage stress and worries . Knowing where to get help .
• Access to education and training so people can find fulfilling volunteering and work opportunities – basic English , reading , writing , ICT , arts , coaching , mentoring , teaching , counselling .
• Children need support with talking and communicating well and in developing motor skills through making and drawing etc ., and creative problem solving skills .
• Parents need support with supporting their children as they want to and aspire to do .
• People want to feel good about themselves , not looked down on , and to feel good about their appearance and self-confident .
• People want to have hope for the future , and to retain their sense of dignity .
d .
Vimal Korpal – Refugee and Migrant Centre and Wolverhampton City of Sanctuary
Activities and Participants Walking tour designed by recording video and audio with local people to create a map . 20 participants .
a ) to collect stories from people who have refugee or asylum status , to gather their experience of living in the Whitmore Reans and Wolverhampton area , along with knowing what things they enjoy , what things would make their life easier now , their favourite food and what could help make their stay in the area enjoyable .
b ) to collect stories from shopkeepers in the Whitmore Reans Area , get permission from them for a walking tour , create a safe space for people to visit these spaces and to tell the owners story as well as some of the refugee or asylum seekers stories too .
Information from 9 key participants was incorporated into a walking tour lead by Vimal .