, Author at Penrith And Eden Refugee Network

Art and Well-being

In 2023 PERN was awarded some funding from the Eden Arts and Culture Development Fund to deliver an exciting programme of art activities alongside BlueJam Arts. This is a Penrith Welcomes Diversity project. Our first two sessions explored capturing landscapes using watercolours. The group was led by Alex Jakob-Whitworth, and was hosted at BlueJam Arts Space… Continue reading Art and Well-being

Rent a Room – Finding Homes for New Refugees

PERN volunteers sometimes have the privilege of sharing very special moments when people seeking asylum are granted refugee status. The joy and relief for someone to know they have a safe country to live in and can begin to make a new life is beyond measure. However, alongside this, for a new refugee, comes the… Continue reading Rent a Room – Finding Homes for New Refugees

Refugee Week Launch

We held our local launch of Refugee Week on Saturday 17 June in Penrith town centre to show the community’s welcome for refugees and asylum seekers. Many thanks to all the PERN members and supporters who came along, and special thanks to the refugees and asylum seekers who attended and spoke at the event. … Continue reading Refugee Week Launch

Wanted: Volunteers to help teach English

We’re looking for a couple more people to teach English to asylum seekers in Carlisle. If you have some teaching experience this could be a great volunteering opportunity for you or do nudge any friends and family and pass on the advert. We run several classes a week and give training and support. Please contact hello@pern.org.uk for more… Continue reading Wanted: Volunteers to help teach English

Refugee Week Event @ PERN

We invite you to Penrith Town Centre on Saturday 17th June 2023 between 10.30am-3.30pm. You can drop by any time, but please remember speeches and photo call are at 12pm. Bring your own banner or hold a PERN banner. Suggested words “Refugees Welcome”, “No human is illegal”, “Compassion into Action”, and “Hospitality not Hostility”.

PERN makes commitment to Anti-Racism

Our March learning event highlighted the importance we place on anti-racism in our work. We were very pleased that tickets sold out for the evening event in Penrith, which was facilitated by Anti Racist Cumbria, with delicious Syrian food. PERN is committed to an anti-racist learning journey and we will be thinking about how this… Continue reading PERN makes commitment to Anti-Racism

PERN is now a Charity

We are very pleased that the Charity Commission have accepted our application and as of 9 March 2023 PERN is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. This status gives us added credibility through confirmation that our aims are charitable; greater access to grant funding and support in ensuring that our governance arrangements are sound. The demands on… Continue reading PERN is now a Charity

Illegal Migration Bill

Please write to your local MP about the Illegal Migration Bill which is being debated in Parliament. We remain profoundly concerned by the new Bill. This legislation is not the way to resolve the issue of small boat crossings. There are alternative policy approaches – such as dealing with the backlog of asylum claims and opening… Continue reading Illegal Migration Bill

Anti-Racist Learning and Syrian Dinner – 7pm Friday 10 March, Penrith

PERN members are warmly invited to a stimulating evening of facilitated discussion on the racism that prevails in British society and institutions and people’s experiences of it, accompanied by a delicious vegetarian Syrian meal. We will explore how we can work to recognise the racism inherent in our own lives and backgrounds and learn how… Continue reading Anti-Racist Learning and Syrian Dinner – 7pm Friday 10 March, Penrith

Vigil for Turkiye and Syria – Sunday 26 February at 5pm

Sunday 26th February 5pm St Andrew’s Church Yard, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7YE A time for silence, grief and solidarity. All welcome. For questions and offerings of music, song, poetry or art please contact penrithandedenrefugeenetwork@gmail.com