Creative Workshops for Refugees & Asylum Seekers

Aim: We are raising funds to support isolated asylum seekers housed in rural hotels in North Somerset, as part of our project Humanity Hotel.

Since 2022, Trigger have been delivering Humanity Hotel, a co-created programme of weekly creative workshops for refugees and asylum seekers at rural hotels in North Somerset. 

Hundreds of people seeking asylum have been placed in hotels across North Somerset (a levelling up priority place and where we live), leading to extreme social isolation. The initial accommodation centres in rural North Somerset are incredibly isolated, with very few transport links and provision. Our creative workshops are a lifeline for people who could be placed in these hotels indefinitely, and offer people a moment to step outside of their current situation, come together, and create.

Our workshops include sewing, ceramics, painting and music. We also host two annual FEASTING events, which bring together residents, asylum seekers, and refugees over food and music. These workshops and events have been attended by over 700 people. 

The occupancy at the hotel we support is going up by 25% in the coming months. This Crowdfunder will support 12 more months of activity.

More urgent than ever

In August 2024, the UK saw an outbreak of violent anti-immigration rioting that targeted these initial accommodation centres. During these dangerous riots, many were left unsure of how to respond or what steps to take to support their communities. These shocking nationwide scenes demonstrated the urgent need for solutions that foster community cohesion and inclusion. In times like these, it can feel overwhelming to know how to help, but this is exactly when our actions matter most. By standing against divisive rhetoric and supporting initiatives that bridge gaps between local residents and asylum seekers and refugees, we can counter anti-immigration sentiments and make a real difference in our local communities. 

Trigger uses its platform to highlight issues that are important to us all, and we believe that everyone has the right to access community and connect through cultural activity.

Your donation will enable Trigger to:   

• Produce a programme of arts and cultural workshops that promote wellbeing and bring people together through a local support network, for the benefit of asylum seekers and refugees in North Somerset. 
• Build a supportive community through shared cultural events for asylum seekers and local residents.
• Employ local arts practitioners and participation specialists to ensure programme content is accessible, artistically inspiring and thought provoking.

Aims: 

• We will provide a creative programme running weekly workshops and arts activities for rurally isolated asylum seekers. 
• We will increase and promote wellbeing at an individual and community level.
• Help build relationships between hotel residents and the local community through an ongoing programme of workshops and voluntary opportunities with local artists and businesses, and a biannual shared cultural event centred around food.
• We continue to develop an approach to working with our communities that create strong and sustainable model for ongoing programme iterations beyond this programme.