Refugee stories inspire at Torridge ‘Lunch and Learn’ event

Torridge District Council and The Pickwell Foundation have hosted a ‘Lunch and Learn’ event for councillors, officers and members of the community to help further their understanding of the work that they are doing to help refugees who have been displaced by war and conflict to settle in North Devon.

Attendees at the event in Caddsdown, Bideford, had the opportunity to meet some of the families who have now made a home and are rebuilding their lives in Torridge. They got to hear first-hand about their experiences and learn more about their culture, as well as tasting a wide range of home cooked local dishes prepared by the Ukrainian and Syrian refugees.

Northern Devon now hosts many Ukrainian families with aid and services coordinated by the Pickwell Foundation. The Foundation is supported by both Torridge and North Devon Councils. There are currently 73 families from Ukraine living in the Torridge District. Torridge and the wider Devon community has a history of supporting displaced families from around the world and in recent years has welcomed refugees from Syria and Afghanistan.

Councillor Ken James, leader of Torridge District Council, said: “I am very proud of the work that we are doing as a Council to support Pickwell and its partners. It was fantastic to meet and speak to the refugees and talk through the experiences they have been through. Their stories are truly inspirational, and I am in awe of their resilience. I have been heartened by the warm embrace our community has extended to the Ukrainian and Syrian refugees and they are extremely grateful for the support that they have received. I am very proud that Torridge District Council is part of supporting such a valuable service. Well done to everyone involved.”

James Lewis, operations manager, The Pickwell Foundation, said: “ A community led approach to welcoming refugees was the overarching message shared at Caddsdown this week, adopted through the support we, our volunteers and partners provide to the resettled and sanctuary seeking communities in Torridge and across Northern Devon. It was a privilege to share with council staff and councillors, the many stories of compassion, resilience and integration alongside the richness of diverse cultures that welcoming provides. The room was visibly moved by the film we shared, a powerful testimony to Community Led Welcome. We hope the sentiment ripples down and we’d love this to be the start of many more collaborative information sessions.”