Ros Wynne-Jones pens the Real Britain column weekly in the Daily Mirror, advocating against government cuts and championing the cause of everyday individuals.
Over the past weekend, as supporters of the Labour Party gathered in Liverpool for their yearly conference, our team traveled to Birkenhead under the Mersey to visit the uplifting, co-operatively owned venue Future Yard. We screened a documentary from our ‘Island of Strangers’ series for the local community that contributed to its creation.
This was a touching moment for all involved. In recent months, myself along with colleagues Claire Donnelly and John Domokos have collaborated with the minds behind a remarkable initiative known as Refugees Rock. This project commenced when a climbing wall in Liverpool offered free climbing sessions to local asylum seekers.
In a time when services aiding refugees have faced hostility, the support and compassion extended at the Climbing Hangar, where refugees are paired with ‘Boulder Buddies,’ are truly heartening. Ali, a 21-year-old refugee from Iran, shared his experience of feeling like a stranger in a new land and how engaging in climbing transformed him, highlighting the power of solidarity and friendship.
While many strive to unite our nation, there are forces intent on sowing discord. The recent attack on a synagogue in Manchester during Yom Kippur, a significant Jewish observance, underscores the need for unity. Such incidents seek to spread fear and animosity in diverse communities that value tolerance and coexistence.
In the face of division, the response from communities like Merseyside and Manchester is a testament to resilience. Acts of kindness and solidarity following tragic events, such as the Manchester Arena bombing, showcase the strength of unity in the face of adversity.
Efforts to bridge divides and foster community bonds face challenges, but stories like ‘Island of Strangers’ shed light on the positive initiatives shaping our society. By depicting the journey of Ali and Sev in the climbing world, the film symbolizes overcoming obstacles through collaboration and perseverance, mirroring the resilience of our nation.
The ‘Island of Strangers’ films are unveiled every Friday on our Mirror Originals YouTube channel, capturing inspiring narratives of communities navigating challenging circumstances with hope and unity.