Saturday 17th August saw a group of refugee families from Darwen travel to Settle on the Yorkshire Dales Explorer. This was their first time travelling to the Yorkshire Dales and for many this was their first time travelling by train.
The families came to the UK from Syria, Afghanistan, Egypt, Kurdistan and Somalia seeking asylum and have made Darwen their home. Many of the families have come from war torn countries and have left life threatening situations to find a safe haven in the UK. Darwen Asylum and Refugee Enterprise (DARE) is based in the United Reform Church on Duckworth Street in Darwen. The organisation helps people who are new to the area to access basic needs and provides a safe space for people to get advice and support as well as hot food and health checks.
Community Rail Lancashire has been working with DARE to help provide rail confidence for the families and show them how to travel safely in and around the area as well as providing day trips out to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the children and adults. The trip to Settle on the Yorkshire Dales Explorer was a great experience for the group of 25 adults and children who were hosted in Settle by the members of the Quaker Meeting House. The families had the opportunity to explore the market town and follow the Flower Pot Trail as well as enjoy the many activities and wonderful food that the generous people at the Quaker Meeting House had provided for them.
It was a long but thoroughly enjoyable day and the group were very grateful for the opportunity to travel to this beautiful part of the North.
For further information on the work of DARE, see the website: https://urcdare.org