Supporting asylum seekers in the Dales

February 15, 2022

We are all devastated by the needless loss of life of people trying to reach safety in Britain by crossing the English Channel.

Here in the Dales, we continue to do what we can to support refugees and asylum seekers living in towns and cities on our doorstep.

As part of our People and the DALES project we welcomed asylum seekers living in Bradford to visit Fell Edge, a farmstead on the edge of
Addingham Moorside.

Visits like these give people a chance to take some time away from their stressful lives, as they navigate the asylum system which often leaves them in a state of limbo. Fell Edge owners, Richard and Liz, spent time in refugee camps in Greece looking after the medical needs of new arrivals so are always delighted to welcome asylum seekers to their home.

During the day the group toured the grounds which included a few brave souls venturing onto the pond in a fibreglass kayak!

Lunch was homemade soup followed by pizza that everyone had a hand in preparing before a brisk walk up onto Addingham Moorside.

Our People and the DALES team have also been visiting people seeking asylum who are confined to temporary hotel accommodation,
providing company and respite with activities like craft sessions.

Judy, from the team, said:

“It is a privilege to work with such talented and creative people and hopefully People and the DALES will
continue to support and encourage people in their new lives in Yorkshire.”