As of May 2024, the number of displaced people around the world is 120 million, the highest it has ever been recorded in history. People who arrive in the UK seeking sanctuary are often the most vulnerable in our society and the lengthy and challenging process of seeking asylum can be re-traumatising, isolating, and hugely impacts mental and physical health.
With your help, we’ve created spaces where displaced people can thrive and express their unique gifts and stories. This community effort has enabled individuals like Mamoud to grow in confidence. Mamoud first attended our online creative wellbeing sessions in 2020 and has gone on to establish the ‘Hartlepool Refugee Football Club’ to support other men seeking sanctuary and now volunteers at our Creating Together gatherings.
But the demand for our work continues to grow and we urgently need your support. Becoming a Friend of The Place by donating just £10 a month will help us meet these growing demands and continue our vital work.
As migration surges and aggressive policies persist, the demand for our work has never been greater. Read on about why we need your support today.
1. Displaced and non-displaced people are facing severe mental health challenges
After surveying over 200 displaced individuals attending our Bradford and Stockton Creating Together gatherings, we found that 90% of people had not had any support for their mental health in the UK before attending our creative wellbeing programme.
Along with additional cuts to mental health services and a new wave of admissions after the pandemic, support organisations are overwhelmed and the need for our creative therapeutic services is rising.
2. We urgently need to relocate to a more accessible, long-term location
Since 2022, we’ve called 31 John Street our home and it’s supported our delivery of Creating Together, Cultural Conversations and Spirit Sisters to name a few. These past two years have shown us just how vital a physical space is for creating community and facilitating shared healing.
From next year, our lease at 31 John Street will end and we urgently need to relocate to a more sustainable, long-term location. We need to find a new home for The Place that is accessible and has heating so more people can access our services.
3. We need to amplify the voices of displaced people
Bradford City of Culture presents a unique opportunity to showcase the voices and talent that make up our district. And many of those voices are displaced people, who in Bradford, make up some of the highest numbers in the UK outside of London.
Yet there’s a risk that displaced individuals won’t get a chance to showcase their talent and celebrate their stories without the opportunity to co-create with us. We need to be in a secure, stable position so that we can fully participate in City of Culture and help change the narrative on refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.
Becoming a Friend of The Place will help us meet these challenges and continue providing critical support to displaced people in Bradford, Stockton and across the UK.
Whether you’re interested in becoming a Friend, making a one-time contribution, volunteering your time, or sharing our mission with others, your support is crucial right now. Please contact us at hello@displaceyourselftheatre.co.uk to explore these opportunities. Every effort counts as we work quickly to secure our future and continue our vital services.
