Services for Young People (SfYP) Youth Workers and Advisers at Hemel Hempstead Young People's Centre recently welcomed young people to a new youth work project designed to support young refugees in the Dacorum area.
Throughout the summer, the young people took part in a series of engaging activities, benefiting from the supportive and inclusive environment. The project aims to help the young people feel connected and valued in their new community and runs in partnership with Hertfordshire Welcomes Refugees, a local charity committed to supporting refugees and asylum seekers.
In one of the sessions, SfYP staff led a workshop about building resilience, supporting the young people to navigate their new journey in Hertfordshire with strength and determination.
During another session, the young people enjoyed creating and recording their own songs in the music and media studio. They played instruments from their home countries and sang in different languages, including English, French, Farsi, Turkish and Portuguese.
The young people were engaged and enthusiastic throughout the sessions and there was a strong sense of community. More sessions have been planned with Herts Welcomes Refugees to continue to make a positive difference to the in the lives of the young people.
Feedback from one of the young people:
“We had a great time at the music workshop. There were drums like I played back home, so I could really show my talents... The staff were kind, welcoming and like friends - they let us focus on what we wanted to do. When I heard we are going to get a recording of our songs from the team [at Hemel Hempstead Young People’s Centre] it was amazing news. I can't wait to hear it - and I hope I can go back there again.”
Herts Welcomes Refugees provides essential support for refugees and asylum seekers, including assistance with their basic needs, wellbeing, financial aid, and opportunities for social connections. The charity also collaborates with other groups to coordinate support and raise awareness of the global refugee crisis.
To find out more about SfYP’s support for young people in Hertfordshire and ongoing projects for separated migrant young people and young refugees, please use these links: