Minehead Friends’ support for Syrian refugees
Quakers in Minehead have offered hospitality to Syrian refugees
Several Minehead Friends are involved in the provision of hospitality to Syrian refugees in Taunton, Somerset. Home stays for a weekend or longer, as well as days out, have been organised.
For many of the children it has been their first time ever playing in the sea. Picnics, beach cricket and multiple orders of ice cream have been very popular. Local support has come from a YMCA training hotel making a room and coffee available. The box office of a big wheel on the seafront has given concessionary rides.
Jenny Gateau, a member of Minehead Meeting and organiser of the volunteers, said: ‘It has been astonishing how a simple question to the Syrians – “Would you like a day out?” – has developed into a wonderful friendship across boundaries of language and culture, and much laughter and enjoyment by adults and children alike, no longer “the refugees” but “friends”.’
