05/06/2026
Yesterday, we had the privilege of spending a beautiful day in York with a group of refugees and asylum seekers from our partner organisation Welcome House, as part of our Breathe, Move & Connect project.
It was an eight-hour journey. Not only a historical journey, but also a very human, community-building experience, full of beautiful conversations and shared moments.
For most of the participants, it was their first visit to York. For many, it was also a rare opportunity to step away from everyday stress, see a new place, spend time together, and feel part of a wider community.
We spent around five hours walking, exploring and discovering the city. We walked almost five miles, visiting the area around York Minster, the old city centre and the historic city walls.
There were almost twenty of us. A large, diverse and beautiful group of people brought together by one shared day, movement, curiosity, conversations and the simple experience of being together.
We all came back exhausted, but happy. With full hearts, beautiful photos and a sense that days like this really matter.
There was something very special about walking together through a city many people were seeing for the first time. People had time to breathe, talk, notice the beauty around them and simply enjoy being part of the group.
For refugees and asylum seekers, life can often carry a deep level of uncertainty. Many people are living with the stress of not knowing what the future will bring, whether they will be granted leave to remain, and when life may begin to feel stable again. That kind of uncertainty can keep people in survival mode for a very long time.
So a day like this is not only a trip. It is a chance to pause, to feel looked after, to have transport and refreshments provided, to be welcomed into a safe group, and to know that someone has taken the time to organise something with care.
Small things can carry a lot of meaning when people have been through so much. Being seen, included and cared for can make a real difference to someone’s wellbeing and mental health.
Thanks to Welcome House for the partnership, to all participants for being with us, and to Sport England for the support that allows us to create meaningful, human and community-centred experiences like this. 💛
