Some of the young people from asphaleia care have been taking part in a photo workshop over the past three weeks to celebrate Refugee week 2011.

They have gone round Worthing to take pictures reflecting on their experiences since coming to the UK. The pictures were then edited by the young people using an online picture programme.

“The young people’s artwork will be on display at Karben Café, Portland Road, Worthing from the 20^th - 26^th June, and at Worthing Hospital on the 27^th and 28^th June,” explains outreach worker Karen. “The exhibition shows young people’s impressions of living in Worthing and is meant to raise awareness of the situation of refugees and asylum-seekers in the UK. Visitors are also encouraged to vote for the best picture of the exhibition.”

We hope that as many people as possible try and have a look at the pictures on display, and cast their vote as the young person with the best picture will win a prize!

The two photos below are an example of some of our young people’s work.

The mini chicks

On 26th April eight young people descended on one of our houses in Worthing to celebrate Easter with the Worthing care team.

The kitchen was completely decorated in Easter themed bunting made by houseparent Carol-Ann. “We hid 24 Easter eggs around the house for our own Easter egg hunt,” she explains. “One young person was a clear winner, finding eight eggs. Her prize? To eat them all!”

Young people were also invited to paint their own eggs, and the winner won a prize for their efforts. Whilst some young people were painting their eggs, others were being taught how to make banana muffins by outreach worker Karen.

“We also hid 24 mini chicks around the house,” adds Carol-Ann. “The young people had to find them and tell us how many we had hid. The winner won a big Easter egg. The young people all had a really great, chocolaty night!”

The photos below were taken by a young person who attended the evening.

Some of the lovely painted eggs

Following the success of the pancake night we held in March, the Sussex care team held a pizza night this week, at one of our houses.

Altogether 12 young people and three members of staff came together to make pizzas from scratch. “The pizza-making team was led by Ramin, who showed us how to make the pizza dough, as well as how to create the best tomato topping sauce (the secret ingredient here was Greek yoghurt - slightly unconventional, but a great success)” explains outreach worker, Karen.

“Although some of the young people had no previous pizza-making experience, everyone quickly joined in, competing to create the best and most delicious pizza of the night. Fresh chilli was definitely a favourite, as well as Halal pepperoni and pepper,” she concludes.

Following Ramin’s example, some of the young people tried to spin the pizza dough in the air to make their pizza base as thin as possible - some were more successful than others!

“The pizza night also gave our new arrivals an opportunity to get to know young people from other asphaleia houses,” says Karen. “Language barriers were overcome very quickly, and if necessary, hands and feet were used to communicate. The atmosphere was great, and everyone enjoyed each other’s company.”

A big thank you to Ramin for organising such a great night! Both staff and young people are already looking forward to late April, when asphaleia care is going to organise an Easter event! Watch this space for more information…

Ramin shows off his pizza making skills

On Friday, the Kent care team met with a Primary Health Trust worker for their second in a series of training sessions.

Anya met the team in Folkestone and addressed ways in which the team could handle certain difficult situations with young people, in particular what to do when they are self harming or threatening suicide. “We talked about our past experiences with young people and how we reacted to situations,” explains Jodie, care Kent team leader.

“Anya talked about different methods we could use if we were put in the same situation again which included, knowing what our responsibilities are and how to take control of the situation.”

To talk about this outside of the work environment was beneficial to all of the staff and gave them the opportunity to “let off steam” and talk about their feelings.

“We are well aware of all the professional support and advice available for young people, but it is also reassuring to know that advice and support is also available to staff,” concludes Jodie.