This week we started our Flying Start Project with Edmonton Community Partnership in Enfield. We are working with child refugees and child asylum seekers. The Department for Education (DfE) statistics show there were 7,290 looked-after children as of the end of March 2023 who were unaccompanied child asylum seekers. This is a 29 per cent increase on the previous year’s. In Enfield, this vulnerable group make up 12% of children in care.
A vulnerable group
The unaccompanied child asylum seekers and refugees, we have met so far, are dealing with serious issues such as youth homelessness. They are vulnerable and at risk of human trafficking, forced labour, youth violence and sexual exploitation. The Childhood Trust, reported that children arriving in London who have fled war and persecution require a wide range of support services, such as counselling and mental health support, food provision, housing support, language support, play and cultural activities, and special educational needs support.
Limited access to education
Consequently given their situation, we know that children who are seeking asylum may have limited access to education while their claims are being processed. This unique and innovative project is designed in such a way to help young people. Enabling them to creatively piece together the different aspects of their lives, express their identity, learn from past experiences and unlock their dreams.
Our experienced Project Leaders bring empathy, sensitivity and professionalism in supporting these young people. Helping them to share their own stories in a creative and meaningful way. The language barrier could have been a challenge, except the creative element of this project. Therefore empowering young people to connect with themselves, while improving on their reading, writing and English speaking skills.
“I want to see the young person feel more confident in their ability to achieve and more stability in their life“
Angela (Project Leader)
A Flying Start in Enfield
We can not underestimate the trauma these young people have experienced. Both on their journey here and even their experiences in the UK. Some of the stories relating to the current living conditions of young immigrants in the UK are distressing. The Gifted Flying Start Project provides a creative space for discovery, exploration, questioning, and expression. We do not rely on language and we hope that young people will feel better connected to their new environment. Our aim is to help them overcome feelings of isolation and any anxiety about their uncertain futures.
Every child should have the chance to be safe
We echo the views of The Children’s Society. ‘Every child should have the chance to be safe, happy and achieve their dreams, regardless of their or their parents’ immigration status.’
We hope that by the end of this project we will see an improvement in their emotional well-being, more confidence and even an Arts Awards qualification to support those with limited access to education.
Look out for our follow-up blog as we share our journey with child refugees and asylum seekers.
Sources:
https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/our-work/young-refugees-migrants
