A trip to Edale by Samia
Back in June, we took a day trip to Edale to get out in nature, spend some time together as a community and take care of our wellbeing. Here are WAST member Samia’s reflections on the day.
My children and I woke up early, full of excitement to go on the trip. We boarded the bus and arrived at the train station, where the WAST team (and the Edale volunteers) were waiting for us with warm smiles and joy. They welcomed us, and we sat down to wait for the train. Some drinks and fruit were handed out to everyone, which brought lots of happiness to both the children and adults.
After that, we boarded the train, which was a truly wonderful experience. Eunice gave us some vouchers for food, sweets and drinks. When we arrived at the venue it was absolutely gorgeous and they had prepared everything for us. We thoroughly enjoyed the halal barbecued chicken, sweets and cold drinks. We also bought a few things at very cheap prices. My friends had brought a Bluetooth speaker along for music, so we danced and had a fantastic time with the rest of our friends.
There were fun activities for children such as tag of war, face painting, darts and farm animals to pet. Some of our women’s kids who participated in the tag of war won prizes and they were so happy.
Towards the end, our Nightingale Choir performed. The audience was mesmerised by the powerful voices of our women and some even joined in the singing.
Then came the time to catch the train once again to head back home. On our way back, Eunice gave us the money for our bus tickets, and everyone was so happy with this beautiful trip. We truly hope to go on another trip with WAST again soon.
What did everyone else think of the day?
Trips like these are so important for people’s mental and physical health, and can offer respite from the challenges of navigating life as a women seeking asylum. Here’s what a few more of our members (new and old) got from the day…
“It was a special place with fresh air. Enjoyable and I enjoyed connecting with others.”
“It was so nice, I love travelling! I enjoyed the environment was so nice and the hills. I liked the food as well. It was good.”
“Very nice because you see outside and nature, it reminds me of my own country, the sheep, the goats, the mountains.”“My kids enjoyed the games. They participated and won prizes. They want to go again.”
“It was very nice, we enjoy with the people, we felt welcomed and shared food.”
“It was relaxing. The nature was the best thing about the trip. I enjoyed the food as well.”Thanks to all our supporters for helping to make trips like this happen, and to the women in our community for being there to support one another.
